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A message from City & State

Monday, July 27, 2026

Compiled by Sophie Krichevsky

An early look at the state legislative races on our radar this November

By Rebecca C. Lewis

With 100 days until Election Day, all eyes are on crucial congressional races as control of the House hangs in the balance. But they’re hardly the only contests that will be on the ballot. Democrats are hoping to strengthen their numbers in the state Legislature this year, especially in the state Senate. They briefly held a veto-proof supermajority, but lost it in 2024. Now, they’re targeting a handful of Republican-held districts – including one open seat – in hopes of winning back that two-thirds majority in both chambers. With 41 members currently, Democrats only need to win back one more seat, so long as they also protect all their incumbents. 

Democrats in the Assembly came close to losing their super majority a few years ago, with departures and election losses bringing them down to as few as 100 members at one point. They sit more comfortably at 103 members now, but that’s still less than Democrats’ peak 107 in 2022. While they’ll have some pick-up opportunities, Assembly Democrats also will find themselves on the defensive in some cases. 

After progressive energy that propelled leftwing candidates to victory in June, here are some of the big races to watch in November. Read more here.

Celebrate NY’s leading voices in the social services sector with the NYC ACS Commissioner on 8/5.

Help us spotlight this year’s Above & Beyond: Social Services honorees at a special evening reception. The incredible people on this list work in or around NY government, advocacy and business to create change through service. We’re thrilled to share that Mamdani-appointed Commissioner of the Administration of Children’s Services Rebecca Jones Gaston will deliver keynote remarks!

Interested in getting involved?Ask us about event sponsorship.

Sponsored by: ADAPT Community Network; Cushman Wakefield; NCheng LLP; BTQ Financial; Farrell Fritz; Good Shepherd Services; Grand Street Settlement; Korean American Family Services Center; SCO Family of Services

News briefing

Politico New York obtained a memo from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s reelection campaign touting her strong position in the race with 100 days to go. 

Though the governor did end up refunding more than $1.7 million worth of donations, per The Buffalo News.

Ask most legislators and they’ll call theirs a full-time job. And comparing New York to other state legislatures, it’s hard to argue they're slacking on their lawmaking duties.

But when the Legislature is out of session, what actually goes on in Albany? For lobbyists, they’re having the first discussions related to the following year’s state budget.

Speaking of which: State of Politics takes an early look at the dynamics that could be at play when budget season rolls around in January.

The New York City Department of Finance estimates some 31,000 homes would be subject to the state’s new pied-à-terre tax – far more than the 10,000 initially projected, via Bloomberg. 

More news below …

Help us honor New York’s Top Trade Associations on 8/11.

We’re celebrating exceptional organizations representing the interests of their members through advocacy, networking, training and development on August 11 with our Top Trade Associations list and exclusive evening reception. High visibility event sponsorship opportunities are now available — from branding onsite at the event to the opportunity to deliver a celebratory toast to honorees. Contact us to learn more.

Sponsored by: Empire State Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors; National Association of Minority Contractors; Association of Contracting Plumbers; Building and Realty Institute; Day Care Council of New York, Inc.; Supportive Housing Network of New York

The Buffalo News reports that the race to lead the Erie County Democratic Party is now a three-horse contest as County Legislator Jeanne Vinal has thrown her hat in the ring.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman amended his July filing to show an extra $1.6 million in fundraising after he initially reported far less than he’d claimed.

Blakeman appeared with Rep. Mike Lawler, who is in a tight bid for reelection this fall, to blast a new law banning local police from working with federal immigration officials. 

That came a day after a new poll came out showing Lawler 5 points up over his Democratic challenger, Cait Conley, via the New York Post. 

The New York Times reports that the state Liquor Authority quietly withdrew charges against James Dolan’s MSG Entertainment for its usage of facial recognition.

Catholic religious orders, healthcare providers and the Diocese of Rockville Centre last week filed a challenge to Medical Aid in Dying in U.S. District Court in Albany, per the Times Union.

A message from City & State

The policy agenda

The Legislature has adjourned for the year. 

Farms across New York will be able to apply for federal assistance for damages left in the wake of mid-April’s spring freeze, the Times Union writes.

Also from the TU: Security guards at several hospitals in some parts of the state would be given police powers under a bill being considered by the governor.

Spectrum News took a closer look at the state’s push to fast-track solar farming projects.

And State of Politics reports that Hochul said the Public Service Commission would consider setting up a separate rate system for data centers.

Get direct access to the policy leaders shaping NY’s educational future at the Education in New York Summit.

Policymakers, educators, researchers and industry leaders are meeting on 8/13 for a dynamic discussion about the future of education. Together, we’ll explore key issues designed to shape effective education policy and improve student outcomes. Register now and ask us about event sponsorship.

Sponsored by: HP; BetterUp; Cozen O'Connor; Davidoff, Hutcher, & Citron; Middle States Commission on Higher Education; The New York Foundling; NYSUT; Ostroff Associates, Inc.; Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates; Pencil; T-Mobile; Vibrant Emotional Health; American Psychiatric Association Foundation; NYSTEC; US Army

The kicker

“That dog is the love of my life.” – Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, on his goldendoodle, Paisley, via Gothamist

Building a strong economic future for New York will take talent and innovation. Are New Yorkers up to the challenge? 

Find out at the Economic & Workforce Development Summit on 9/17. NY’s most influential policymakers, business leaders, educators, and workforce professionals will convene to discuss economic growth, workforce readiness, and job creation. Register now and ask us about event sponsorship.

Sponsored by: New York City Employment & Training Coalition; Berkeley College; Brown & Weinraub; CenterState Corporation; Cozen O'Connor; Davidoff, Hutcher, & Citron; Emerge Career; SUNY Empire State University; Fordham University; Global Strategy Group; Grant Associates; KPMG; NUAIR; NYSTEC; Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates; Battery Park City Authority; Brooklyn Navy Yard; The City College of New York; US Army

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