Maloney Holds Narrow Lead
In a four-way race, incumbent U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Upper East Side, Greenpoint, Long Island City) is barely winning.
As of Wednesday morning, she received 41.5 percent of the vote, while her challengers, NYU adjunct professor and former Obama staffer Suraj Patel, social activist and comedian Lauren Ashcraft, and housing advocate Peter Harrison each earned 40 percent, 13.5 percent, and 4.9 percent of the vote respectively.
Regardless, Maloney was proud of the results.
“I am so grateful to all the voters who showed up yesterday, who voted early and who voted absentee to return me to Congress,” she said. “This campaign was an opportunity not to just highlight my record of accomplishment and vision for a fairer future, but to talk about the opportunities ahead to advance police and criminal justice reform, to expand assistance to the millions impacted by COVID-19, and to hold President Trump accountable in what we are working to ensure are the final months of his disastrous presidency.”
Despite apparently losing, runner-up Patel expressed optimism that the results indicate that the district’s voters are ready for change.
“Tonight, the voters of New York’s 12th District clearly rejected the era of institutional racism, and the divisive politics of the past. New Yorkers are not done with hope and change. That is what tonight’s results show. We are confident in our path to victory after a very strong performance on Election Day, which traditionally favors establishment voters,” he said.
“Over 58% of New Yorkers have rejected the incumbent’s politics of the past. We have a mandate for change, and the final tally will reflect that. We are proud to have run the best absentee ballot field program in this race, and now the energy and momentum is on our side. With thousands of votes outstanding – many from young voters and people of color – we will fight to ensure that every vote is counted, every voice is heard, and New Yorkers have the Representation they deserve.”
Hoylman Crushes Glass
Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Midtown West, Chelsea, West Village) handily defeated his primary challenger, ESL teacher Elizabeth Glass, 66 percent to 34 percent.
“This has been an election year like no other,” said Hoylman. “I’m proud that we ran a progressive campaign based in facts and science, reaching as many voters as possible while maintaining social distancing.”
Hoylman expressed gratitudes to his constituents for voting him back in, claiming that it’s an honor to serve as their State Senator.
“I’m running for re-election on my 8-year record in the State Senate passing over 60 bills and fighting for tenants, racial justice, women’s reproductive rights, the LGBT community, the environment, seniors, public schools, government reform, and mass transit,” said Hoylman. “I’ve written and passed New York’s legislation to uncover tax returns from politicians like Donald Trump, reveal police brutality and misconduct, and protect survivors of sexual assault. It’s an honor to serve my fellow New Yorkers in the State Senate, and I’m grateful to every voter who put their faith in me during this campaign.”
Meanwhile, Glass was happy for the thrill of finishing her campaign, even as it struggled.
“I am so honored to be supported by an army of volunteers, constituents, and neighbors who believe New York City can be better,” she said. “We were out-funded but ran a grassroots campaign I am so proud of.”
