What Is 2018 New York state elections

Overview

The 2018 New York state elections took place on November 6, 2018, as part of the broader U.S. midterm elections. These elections determined the composition of state executive offices, the State Assembly, and State Senate, with significant implications for New York’s legislative direction.

Major races included the re-election of Governor Andrew Cuomo, control of the State Senate, and all seats in the State Assembly. The results reflected a Democratic wave, with the party solidifying control in both legislative chambers and the governor’s office.

• Andrew Cuomo won a third term as governor, defeating Republican challenger Lee Zeldin with 59.6% of the vote.
• All 150 seats in the New York State Assembly were up for election, with Democrats securing 107 seats and Republicans 43.
• The State Senate saw a major shift, as Democrats captured 40 seats, gaining a majority for the first time since 2010.
• Third-party candidates, including Jumaane Williams of the Democratic Socialists, played a notable role in progressive races.
• Voter turnout reached 53.7%, a significant increase from 40.1% in the 2014 midterms, reflecting heightened political engagement.

How It Works

The New York state election system operates under a partisan primary and general election framework, with state offices elected every four years and legislative seats every two.

• Term: The Governor of New York serves a four-year term, with no term limits. The 2018 election was for the third consecutive term for Andrew Cuomo.
• State Senate members serve two-year terms, and all 63 seats were up for election, with Democrats flipping key districts like SD-13 and SD-40.
• State Assembly elections occur every two years, with all 150 districts voting; Democrats increased their majority from 104 to 107 seats.
• Primary elections were held on September 13, 2018, with both Democratic and Republican parties selecting nominees for state offices.
• Ballot access required candidates to gather between 1,500 and 15,000 signatures, depending on office and party affiliation.
• Early voting was not available in 2018, as New York did not implement it until 2019, requiring voters to cast ballots on Election Day or via absentee.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key legislative and executive outcomes between 2014 and 2018 shows a significant shift in partisan control and voter engagement.

The data illustrates a clear Democratic consolidation of power between 2014 and 2018. While Governor Cuomo’s vote share increased slightly, the most dramatic change was in the State Senate, where Democrats gained full control after years of coalition politics. This shift enabled the passage of progressive legislation in subsequent years, including criminal justice and housing reforms.

Why It Matters

The 2018 New York state elections had lasting implications for state governance, policy, and national political trends. The Democratic sweep set the stage for major legislative initiatives and reshaped the balance of power in Albany.

• The Democratic takeover of the State Senate ended years of Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) alliances with Republicans, restoring unified party control.
• Increased voter turnout, especially in urban areas like Queens and Brooklyn, signaled growing civic engagement among younger and diverse populations.
• Progressive candidates backed by groups like Democratic Socialists of America won key primaries, influencing the state’s policy agenda.
• With full control, Democrats passed significant legislation in 2019, including the NY SAFE Act expansion and rent regulation reforms.
• The election results reflected national trends, as suburban voters moved toward Democrats, contributing to a blue wave in state politics.
• Control of redistricting after the 2020 Census was secured by Democrats, giving them long-term influence over electoral maps.

The 2018 elections marked a turning point in New York state politics, establishing Democratic dominance and enabling a progressive legislative agenda that continued into the 2020s.