New York US elections: New York, home to America’s most populous city, is among the states that will go to polls on November 5 to choose between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump for US president, besides voting in a number of federal and state level elections

The state’s politics is shaped by the waves of immigrant populations that reached its shores, welcomed by the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island over the past two centuries. Immigrant workers were a key aspect of political discourse, and it was inevitable that New York would become a centre for civil rights and labour movements. 

Here is a primer for you on the elections taking  place in New York on November 5:

US presidential election 2024 in New York

The northeastern state, once home to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and headquarters of his business empire the Trump Organization, has traditionally been Democratic. This means Trump might have only a very slim chance of carrying the state.

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has been leading in the opinion polls in New York, though the margin of victory is expected to be less than 2020. 

Known for its diverse population, New York elected Democrats in all presidential elections since 1988, making it a ‘deep Blue’ state. 

Since 1992, Democratic presidential candidates have won the popular vote with confortable margin of at least 15 per cent.

Within the state, Democrats are strong in New York City, the surrounding New York metropolitan area, Greater Buffalo and the Capital Region.

The popular vote on November 5 will choose electors in the Electoral College, where New York has 28 votes. This is one less than 2020 following reapportionment based on population.

New York House of Representative and Senate elections

At the federal level, all 26 seats in the US House of Representatives are up for grabs in New York on November 5.

In the 2022 elections, most of these seats have been won by Democrats.

There will also be an election for one Senate seat, pitting Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand against Republican businessman Mike Sapraicone. Gillibrand is seeking a third term.

New York State legislature elections 2024

At the state legislature elections 2024, all the 63 seats in the New York Senate and all 150 seats in the State Assembly will go to polls. 

Democrats dominated the New York State Senate since 2018.

In the State Assembly, they have had a better record, holding a majority since 1975.