Two Democratic candidates won special elections held on February 3 to fill vacant state legislative seats in Manhattan. City Council Member Erik Bottcher was elected to the state Senate, replacing Brad Hoylman-Sigal, while Keith Powers won the Assembly seat. Both candidates defeated their Republican opponents by wide margins.
Bottcher, who serves as co-chair of the City Council’s LGBTQIA+ Caucus, and Powers will represent parts of Manhattan in the New York State Legislature. These victories maintain Democratic control of the districts.
**Why this matters**
These special elections ensure continued Democratic representation in key Manhattan districts, sustaining the party’s influence in the state legislature. The results also reflect voter preferences in the area and may impact legislative priorities related to the city.
Source: NewsData