Power & Politics: NY state comptroller primary; Suffolk Democratic leadership race; State budget breakdown
Voters across New York are facing several key political contests, including a high-profile statewide primary that will determine who oversees public funds.
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Voters across New York are facing several key political contests, including a high-profile statewide primary that will determine who oversees public funds.
The three-way Democratic primary for state comptroller features New York's longest-serving statewide elected official, State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who is seeking another term. DiNapoli, who has held the position since 2007, is facing his first primary challenge in nearly two decades.
Two challengers, Raj Goyle and Drew Warshaw, are also vying for the nomination, offering voters alternative visions for how the state's finances should be managed.
News 12's Jonathan Gordon spoke with all three candidates about their priorities, their plans for New Yorkers, and why they believe they are best suited to serve as the state's fiscal watchdog.
Meanwhile, a separate political battle is unfolding in Suffolk County, where Democrats are voting on who should lead the party.
The race pits longtime incumbent Rich Schaffer against a challenger from the East End. Schaffer has served as chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Committee since 2000 and previously served as Babylon Town supervisor, first elected in 1992.
Despite his long tenure, his challenger is pointing to frustration within the party, citing what she describes as repeated Democratic losses across the county in recent years as a key reason for her campaign.
These races come as New York rolls out a delayed $268 billion state budget, which includes several measures aimed at putting money back in residents' pockets.
Officials say the state's power program will issue one-time rebate checks, with the amount varying based on income.
In addition, the state is introducing a major tax break on tips.
