Special elections held Tuesday evening resulted in the selection of new representatives for three state Legislature seats across Manhattan and Queens. The contests filled vacancies in the 36th Assembly District in Queens, the 74th Assembly District in Manhattan, and the 47th Senate District in Manhattan.
36th Assembly District in Queens
Democrat Diana Moreno is projected to win the race for the 36th Assembly District, according to The Associated Press. She competed against Rana Abdelhamid, running on the “Queens for All” Party line, and Mary Jobaida, on the “People First” Party line.
The district encompasses much of western and central Astoria, Ditmars, Astoria Heights, and northern Long Island City. The seat became vacant when Zohran Mamdani, who initially won the position in 2020, became mayor.
47th Senate District in Manhattan
Democrat Erik Bottcher is the projected winner in the 47th Senate District race, as reported by The Associated Press. He ran against Charlotte Friedman, who was on the Republican Party line.
The district includes Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, the Upper West Side, and a portion of Central Park. This seat was vacated when Brad Hoylman-Sigal assumed the role of Manhattan borough president after winning the position in 2022.
74th Assembly District in Manhattan
Democrat Keith Powers is projected to win the election for the 74th Assembly District, according to The Associated Press. He faced Joseph Foley, who ran on both the Republican and Conservative Party lines.
The district covers the Lower East Side, East Village, and Midtown East. The vacancy arose when Harvey Epstein, who won the seat in 2018, became a City Council member for District 2 in Manhattan. Powers previously served as a City Council member for District 4 in Manhattan.
The newly elected representatives could be quickly integrated into the ongoing legislative session, potentially influencing upcoming debates and votes. It is also possible that these transitions will prompt further shifts in the political landscape as other officials consider future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What districts were affected by these special elections?
The 36th Assembly District in Queens, the 74th Assembly District in Manhattan, and the 47th Senate District in Manhattan all held special elections to fill vacant seats.
Why were these seats vacant?
The seats became vacant because Zohran Mamdani became mayor, Brad Hoylman-Sigal became Manhattan borough president, and Harvey Epstein became a City Council member.
Who were the candidates in the 36th Assembly District race?
The candidates were Democrat Diana Moreno, Rana Abdelhamid on the “Queens for All” Party line, and Mary Jobaida on the “People First” Party line.
As these new representatives prepare to take office, what impact do you anticipate their priorities will have on the communities they now serve?
