United States House of Representatives elections in New York, 2008
The 2008 congressional elections in New York were held on November 4, 2008 to determine representation in the state of New York in the United States House of Representatives. New York has 29 seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009 until January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
The races not forecasted as safe for the incumbent party were districts 13, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 29.
Delegation Composition
2008 pre-election | Seats | |
Democratic-Held | 23 | |
Republican-Held | 6 | |
2008 post-election | Seats | |
Democratic-Held | 26 | |
Republican-Held | 3 | |
District breakdown
District 13
Republican incumbent Vito Fossella announced his retirement on May 20, 2008, leaving this an open seat. Democratic City Councilman Michael McMahon, endorsed by the Staten Island Democratic Party[1] won the primary against Steve Harrison, who lost to Fossella in 2006. Republican Robert Straniere defeated Dr. Jamshad Wyne in the parimary. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'.
District 19
Democratic incumbent John Hall was challenged by Republican Kieran Lalor. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'.
District 20
Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand was challenged by Republican Sandy Treadwell. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic'.
District 21
Democratic incumbent Michael R. McNulty retired, leaving this an open seat. Former State Representative Paul Tonko won the five-way Democratic primary, defeating Tracey Brooks and Phil Steck, and two others. Tonko then handily defeated Republican nominee Jim Buhrmaster, who faced a primary challenge from Ron Paul supporter Steven Vasquez.
District 23
Republican incumbent John McHugh ran for re-election against Democrat Mike Oot. CQ Politics forecasted the race as "Safe Republican."
District 24
Democratic incumbent Michael Arcuri was challenged by Republican businessman Richard Hanna. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'.
District 25
Republican incumbent James T. Walsh retired, leaving this an open seat. Democrat Dan Maffei ran against Republican Dale Sweetland who won in a crowded primary race, and frequent candidate Howie Hawkins using the "Green Populist" label.[2] CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic'.
District 26
Republican incumbent Thomas M. Reynolds retired, leaving this an open seat. In an upset victory, Amherst environmental lawyer Alice Kryzan won the Democratic primary against Iraq War veteran Jonathan Powers and maverick millionaire Jack Davis. The Republican nominee was businessman Christopher Lee.[3] CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Republican'.
District 27
Democrat Brian Higgins easily defeated Independence Party candidate Dan Humiston. The Republicans did not put forth a candidate, instead cross-endorsing Humiston.
District 28
Democrat Louise Slaughter easily defeated her Republican opponent, David Crimmen, who raised very little money and was primarily token opposition.
District 29
Republican incumbent Randy Kuhl, Jr. was again challenged by Democrat Eric Massa. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Republican'.[4] The Cook Political Report ranked it 'Republican Toss Up'[5] The Rothenberg Political Reports rated it as 'Toss-Up/Tilt Democratic'.[6]
References
- ↑ Staten Island Republicans designated former state Rep. Robert Straniere as their candidate for the Sept. 9 primary
- ↑ Petitions Filed with the New York State Board of Elections, accessed 12 September 2008.
- ↑ Kryzan beats Powers, Davis Jerry Zremski, The Buffalo News, September 10, 2008
- ↑ Race Ratings Chart: House Archived October 28, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. CQ Politics
- ↑ 2008 Competitive House Race Chart The Cook Political Report, October 15, 2008
- ↑ 2008 House Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report, October 14, 2008
- General
- Horrigan, Marie Upset in Upstate New York CQ Politics, September 10, 2008
- 2008 Competitive House Race Chart The Cook Political Report, October 15, 2008.
- 2008 House Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report, October 14, 2008
External links
- New York State Board of Elections
- Campaign contributions for New York congressional races from OpenSecrets.org
- New York U.S. House of Representatives race from 2008 Race Tracker