Author Archive
Austin C. Jefferson
New York State
Politics
Ritchie Torres will not run for governor
Torres had flirted with a run against Gov. Kathy Hochul but decided against it after Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic mayoral primary.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
News & Politics
Politics
Lawler holds final town halls as he considers gubernatorial run
The swing district Republican faced less hostility from the crowd at his more recent town halls, held in more GOP-friendly areas of his district.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
News & Politics
Politics
Mamdani primary win showcases political power of tenants
The Tenant Bloc, launched earlier this year, backed mayoral candidates like Zohran Mamdani who called for a rent freeze. Now, it's looking ahead to 2026.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
2026 New York gubernatorial election
Politics
Stefanik raises millions for to-be-announced run for governor after Mamdani primary victory
Rep. Elise Stefanik plans to launch her campaign for governor soon.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
Applyrs wins landslide victory in Albany mayoral primary
Backed by both progressives and the Albany Democratic establishment, City Auditor Dorcey Applyrs beat businessman Dan Cerutti by 24 points.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
News & Politics
Politics
Sean Ryan dominates Democratic mayoral primary in Buffalo
Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon could still run as an independent, but state Sen. Sean Ryan is the favorite to win in November – and candidates are lining up to replace him in the state Senate.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
News & Politics
Politics
WFP’s absence felt in Rochester mayoral race
Why is the progressive third party staying out of a competitive upstate mayoral primary?
- By Austin C. Jefferson
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
Council president and top mayoral aide vie to become Syracuse’s next mayor
Incumbent Mayor Ben Walsh isn’t on the ballot in the Democratic primary, but the fight between his deputy Sharon Ownes and Common Council President Pat Hogan could serve as a referendum on his mayoralty.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
Policy
Policy
Court of Appeals upholds Kingston’s rent control policies
The decision from New York’s highest court will likely embolden other upstate cities that want to adopt rent control but have been scared off by lawsuits from landlord groups.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
Energy & Environment
Policy
As session ends, Assembly acts on environmental legislation
The Assembly eliminated incentives for natural gas hook-ups and is expected to pass a bill to reduce plastic waste.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
Immigration
Policy
Amid increased ICE raids, state Legislature fails to act on sanctuary state bill
The New York for All Act, which would prevent local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, didn’t even make it to a vote in the state Senate.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
MagazineShow All
News & Politics
Politics
The way-too-early 2026 gubernatorial election preview
Meet the top contenders hoping to become governor next year.
- By Rebecca C. Lewis and Austin C. Jefferson
News & Politics
Politics
State leaders’ response to federal funding cuts: Blame Republicans
If the Senate passes the GOP federal budget bill, millions of New Yorkers will lose access to Medicaid coverage and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
News & Politics
Politics
Delgado calls for universal health care as he distances himself from Hochul
The lieutenant governor indicated he would be more willing to create ambitious and expensive social welfare programs than his boss has been.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
2026 New York gubernatorial election
Politics
County Democratic Party chairs go in for Hochul
Most of the chairs leading county Democratic committees signed a letter endorsing Hochul in their personal capacities after Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announced a primary challenge
- By Rebecca C. Lewis and Austin C. Jefferson
Technology
Policy
‘Little tech’ lobby starts campaign against AI regulation bills
The American Innovators Network is warning about unintended consequences of the RAISE Act and other legislation regulating AI companies.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
News & Politics
Politics
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado launches campaign for governor
After breaking with Gov. Kathy Hochul, Delgado now looks to be challenging her from the left.
- By Austin C. Jefferson and Rebecca C. Lewis
Immigration
Policy
Can NY stop ICE from arresting immigrants at federal courthouses?
Existing state law only limits arrests at state courthouses, and it’s not clear the state Legislature has the power to stop arrests in federal buildings.
- By Austin C. Jefferson and Steve Kastenbaum
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
How SUNY is responding to the Trump administration
An interview with SUNY Chancellor John King
- By Austin C. Jefferson
Gambling
Politics
Parkland alienation bill passes Senate, potentially paving way for Cohen’s casino
State Sen. John Liu successfully bypassed fellow state Sen. Jessica Ramos to keep Mets owner Steve Cohen’s plans for a Queens casino on track.
- By Austin C. Jefferson