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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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News & Politics

Politics

The way-too-early 2026 gubernatorial election preview

Meet the top contenders hoping to become governor next year.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.