New York Election Results: Democrats Make Significant Gains

New York voters made significant decisions in the state’s mayoral elections on November 7, 2025, with Democrats capturing key positions in several upstate cities. This election cycle marked a continuation of Democratic dominance, particularly in the four largest cities along the Interstate 90 corridor. Albany and Syracuse both elected their first Black mayors—Dorcey Applyrs and Sharon Owens, respectively—while Sean Ryan became Buffalo’s new mayor, the first change in leadership there in two decades. In Rochester, Malik Evans secured a second term with a commanding victory.

Democratic candidates in Syracuse and Buffalo received over 70% of the votes, while victories in Albany and Rochester surpassed 80%. With the exception of Syracuse, these cities have maintained Democratic leadership for well over fifty years. Albany has not elected a Republican mayor since 1917.

Beyond the mayoral races, Democrats achieved notable wins in local offices statewide, indicating a shift in local political dynamics. In Onondaga County, Democrats appear poised to gain control of the county legislature for the first time in decades. Historically a reliable blue county in broader elections, Onondaga has seen Republicans dominate local governance for many years. This shift could complicate efforts related to significant infrastructure projects, including Micron’s semiconductor initiative and a planned county aquarium.

Democrats also made strides in Monroe County, flipping seats in at least five towns. Notably, Jeffery McCann will become the first Democratic town supervisor in Greece in over a century. Additionally, in Canandaigua, Democrat Thomas Lyon unseated Republican incumbent Bob Palumbo to become mayor. In Troy, Democrats took every seat on the city council, flipping four Republican positions just two years after Carmella Mantello became the first Republican mayor since 2007.

Despite these Democratic victories, Republicans maintained some footholds. In Orange County, Executive Steve Neuhaus secured a fourth term, while Bruce Blakeman won a second term in Nassau County. In Rensselaer County, Executive Steve McLaughlin held an eight-point lead after initially trailing in early returns. Mayor Jared Kraham of Binghamton also won decisively, while Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford led his challenger after being elected the first Republican mayor in a decade in 2023.

The election results also included a closely watched statewide ballot proposal regarding land use. Voters approved a measure allowing the New York Olympic Regional Development Authority to expand operations on 350 acres near the Mount Van Hoevenberg complex in the Adirondacks. The proposal passed with a narrow margin, receiving approximately 46% of the votes in favor, while 42% opposed it, leaving over half a million ballots blank. The amendment aims to facilitate essential upgrades to the world-class training site while maintaining protections for the surrounding land.

Opposition to the measure was particularly strong in New York City. The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island all recorded “no” votes, with margins ranging from 3 to 15 points. In contrast, the “yes” vote in Essex County, home to Mount Van Hoevenberg, won by a significant 33-point margin.

The election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City signals both opportunity and challenge for the political landscape. His campaign focused on affordability, echoing sentiments expressed by Governor Kathy Hochul, who endorsed him in September. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also emphasized Mamdani’s commitment to addressing the affordability crisis.

For Republicans, Mamdani’s election represents a new focal point for campaign strategies, particularly as they seek to connect him with the broader democratic socialist movement. Representative Elise Stefanik has been vocal in her criticism, asserting that Hochul is now aligned with the far-left policies represented by Mamdani. Stefanik, who is considering a gubernatorial run in 2026, stated that the only way to provide a counterbalance to perceived radical changes is to elect a Republican governor.

As New York moves forward, the results from this election cycle set the stage for the upcoming congressional, state legislative, and gubernatorial races in 2026, making the political landscape more dynamic than ever.