Advocacy Alert: 2026 Election Analysis

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By Josh Veronica, Vice President of Government Affairs
November 4, 2026

Hochul Wins Reelection as Western New York Voters Decide Key Races

Voters across New York State and the country headed to the polls yesterday for the 2026 midterm elections, determining the direction of government at the federal, state and local levels. From the race for governor to several competitive State Assembly contests and important local elections, the results will help shape the policies impacting Buffalo Niagara employers over the next several years.

Federal and State Results

Governor Kathy Hochul Wins Reelection

Governor Kathy Hochul secured another four years in office after defeating Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in New York’s gubernatorial election, by 20%.

Hochul, who first took office in 2021, will begin a new term in January alongside her running mate, Adrienne Adams, who will serve as lieutenant governor.

The BNP hosted both gubernatorial candidates in October, providing BNP members an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the region’s business community. The BNP looks forward to continuing those conversations with the Hochul administration and advocating for policies that strengthen Western New York’s economic future.

Statewide Races

Beyond the governor’s race, New Yorkers also voted for attorney general and state comptroller.

• Attorney General: Letitia James was reelected as attorney general, defeating Republican Saritha Komatireddy.
• State Comptroller: Thomas DiNapoli was reelected as comptroller, defeating Republican Joseph Hernandez.

Federal Elections: Control of Congress

Nationally, the midterm elections flipped the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate as Congress prepares for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.

Democrats secured control of both the U.S. House and Senate in Tuesday’s midterm elections, ending Republican control of Congress. The shift sets the stage for divided government during the final two years of President Donald Trump’s administration.

Several key Democratic victories helped flip control of Congress. In the Senate, Democrats won closely watched races in Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, Iowa, Kansas, South Carolina and Maine, while defending Georgia. Democrats also flipped competitive House seats in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, helping secure a majority and reshape federal policymaking heading into 2027.

The resulting balance of power will influence federal tax policy, trade negotiations, energy development, workforce initiatives and funding decisions that directly affect employers throughout Western New York.

Closer to home, the region’s three congressional districts featured the following contests:

• NY 23: Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy comfortably defeated Democrat Aaron Gies and holds his seat for another two years.
• NY 24: Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney defeated Democrat Alissa Ellman.
• NY 26: Democratic Rep. Tim Kennedy defeated Republican Dennis Hannon.

New York State Senate

Western New York voters also selected their representatives in the New York State Senate, where Democrats entered the election holding the majority.

• District 57: Republican Sen. George Borrello cruised to reelection against Democrat Victoria Guite-Williams.
• District 60: Republican Sen. Patrick Gallivan ran uncontested.
• District 61: Democrat Jonathan Rivera ran uncontested for the seat after defeating Sen. Jeremy Zellner in a June primary. Rivera will move from Albany’s lower chamber to its upper.
• District 62: Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt defeated Democrat Thomas Arida.
• District 63: Democratic Sen. April Baskin defeated Republican Geoffrey Szymanski.

Democrats maintained their strong grip on the Senate and will enter 2027 with a large margin. As of the morning of November 4, 42 Democratic races have been called, 13 Republican races have been called, with 8 races not yet called.

New York State Assembly

Several Western New York Assembly districts were closely watched, particularly races where seats could change political parties.

Democrat Leah Halton-Pope ran uncontested for the 141st District seat previously held by Crystal Peoples-Stokes, marking a change in representation for parts of the City of Buffalo.

In the 142nd District, Democratic Assemblyman Patrick Burke faced Republican Gary Dickson. Assemblyman Burke held onto this competitive seat for another two years.

The 143rd District featured another competitive race between Republican Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski and Democratic challenger Ryan Taughrin. Currently, Taughrin leads Chludzinski by just over 300 votes. This race is too close to call.

In the 144th Assembly District, Republican incumbent Paul Bologna defeated Democratic challenger Donna Dye Sholk in a contest representing portions of Erie and Niagara counties.

In the 145th District, Republican Becky Wydysh and Democrat Nate McMurray competed for the open seat previously represented by Angelo Morinello. Former Niagara County Legislature Chairwoman Wydysh cruised to victory over McMurray.

In the race to replace Jon Rivera in the 149th District, Socialist Adam Bojak defeated Frank Bogulski.

Other regional Assembly contests included:

• District 139: Stephen Hawley (R) vs. Sarah Wolcott (D). Hawley defeats Wolcott 69.7%-30.3.
• District 140: William Conrad (D) vs. Mohammed Faisal (R). Conrad defeats Faisal 76%-24%.
• District 146: Karen McMahon (D) vs. Terence McGuire (R). McMahon defeats McGuire 61.6%-38.3.
• District 147: David DiPietro (R), uncontested.
• District 148: Joseph Sempolinski (R), uncontested.
• District 150: Andrew Molitor (R) vs. Thomas Carle (D). Molitor defeats Carle 62.9%-37.1.

Democrats have officially won 101 seats in the Assembly, Republicans 36, with 13 races too close to call.

Regardless of the individual outcomes, the 2027 legislative session will offer opportunities for the BNP to engage with returning and newly elected lawmakers on issues including tax competitiveness, energy costs, workforce development, housing and regulatory reform.

County Results and What is Next

Erie County Elections

At the county level, voters decided the race for Erie County Clerk between incumbent Republican Michael Kearns and Democratic challenger Steven Meyer. Meyer defeated Kearns in a very closely contested race with a current result of 51.6%-48.4%.

All 11 seats in the Erie County Legislature were on the ballot, including several contested districts.

• District 5: Jeanne Vinal (D) vs. Christina Coyle-Lenz (R). Vinal defeats Coyle-Lenz 62.8%-37.1.
• District 6: Rathi Ravi (D) vs. Edward Rath III (R). Rath defeats Ravi 55%-44.9%.
• District 8: Frank Todaro (R) vs. Sara Marmion (D). Todaro defeats Marmion 60%-39.9%.
• District 9: John Gilmour (D) vs. David Denz (R). Gilmour defeats Denz 62.4%-37.4.
• District 11: Zachary Beaudoin (D) vs. Scott Honer (R). Honer defeats Beaudoin 58.1%-41.8.

Lawrence Dupre, Taisha St. Jean Tard, Michael Kooshoian, John Bargnesi, Timothy Meyers and Lindsay Lorigo also appeared on the ballot without opponents.

The Erie County Legislature holds the same composition as before this election. Democrats hold a 7-4 majority going into 2027.

With Erie County preparing for another budget cycle, the BNP will continue monitoring county spending, property taxes, infrastructure investments and policies that affect local employers.

Niagara County Elections

Niagara County voters also selected representatives to the County Legislature, with races across the county helping determine its political makeup for the next legislative term.

Republicans in the Niagara County Legislature picked up one new seat for 2027 with Republican Jim Slowey defeating Democrat Carla Speranza. They will hold a 12-3 majority in the Legislature.

County government will continue playing an important role in infrastructure, economic development, tourism and investments that support employers throughout Niagara County.

Looking Ahead

While the election results establish the political landscape for the coming years, the priorities of Buffalo Niagara employers remain unchanged.

The BNP will continue working with elected leaders from both parties to advance a more competitive business environment, improve workforce development, address rising energy and operating costs, encourage economic development, and strengthen the region’s cross-border economy.

As elected officials prepare for their new terms, the BNP will remain engaged at every level of government to ensure the voice of Buffalo Niagara employers is represented in the decisions ahead.

Josh Veronica

Vice President of Government Affairs