At the Federal Level: Congress
New Yorkers will not be voting for a U.S. Senator in 2026, but the entire congressional delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives is on the ballot. Voters in each of New York’s 26 congressional districts will elect their representative for a two-year term. These are the lawmakers who travel to Washington, D.C., to vote on federal laws, approve national budgets, and represent their district's interests on the national stage. Your Representative in Congress deals with everything from healthcare policy and military funding to interstate commerce and social security. Because every seat is up for election every two years, these races are a direct and frequent opportunity for voters to influence the direction of the country.
The State's Top Jobs: Executive Power
Four key statewide
executive offices are up for election, each for a four-year term. The highest-profile contest is for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, who run together on a single ticket. The Governor is the state's chief executive, responsible for signing bills into law, managing state agencies, and preparing the state budget. The current incumbent, Kathy Hochul, is seeking re-election. The Attorney General, the state's top lawyer and law enforcement officer, is also on the ballot. This office defends the state in court, investigates fraud, and sues on behalf of the public. Incumbent Letitia James is running for a third term. Finally, New Yorkers will vote for the State Comptroller, who serves as the state’s chief financial officer. The Comptroller audits state and local government agencies, oversees the state pension fund, and manages the state's debt. This role is a critical check on government spending and financial health.
Your Voice in Albany: The State Legislature
While the Governor’s race draws significant attention, the entire New York State Legislature is also up for grabs, and these are the officials who write the laws that most directly impact daily life. Every single seat in both the State Senate and the State Assembly is on the ballot for a two-year term. There are 63 State Senators and 150 Members of the Assembly. Together, they create laws and set budgets for everything from public schools and the MTA to environmental regulations and local taxes. The party that controls these chambers has immense power to advance or block the governor’s agenda. Your state legislators are your direct line to the policymaking process in Albany, making these local races incredibly consequential.
Closer to Home: Judges and Local Officials
Beyond the major federal and state races, your ballot will almost certainly include a variety of local and judicial positions. These can include Justices of the State Supreme Court, who handle serious civil and criminal cases, as well as judges for County, City, and Civil Courts. These judicial elections have a profound impact on the justice system in your community. Depending on your specific location, you may also be voting for county executives, city council members, town supervisors, or other municipal roles. These are the officials who oversee services like sanitation, local parks, and zoning. Because the specific offices vary from one county or city to another, it's essential to check what's on your particular ballot.
