The New York State Senate Democratic Party appears to have lost its “supermajority status” that could have overpowered the governor’s veto in the general election held on the 5th.
According to the results of the New York State Board of Elections’ general election, as of the 7th, the Democratic Party only secured 40 seats in the New York State Senate. The Democratic Party secured supermajority status in the 2020 and 2022 state Senate elections by winning 43 and 42 seats, respectively, which is more than two-thirds of the total seats.
Supermajority status is granted to a party that secures 42 seats, which is two-thirds of the total seats (63 seats) in the state Senate and can overpower the governor’s veto.
In this year’s general election, the Democratic Party lost one seat in the 17th Senate District (South Brooklyn) election when Democratic incumbent candidate Yiwen Chu lost to Republican candidate Steve Chan.
In addition, the 50th district election for the House of Representatives is also being held in a very close race, and as of the 7th, there is no winner. However, regardless of the results of the 50th district election, the Democratic Party has already lost its position as a large majority party due to its defeat in the 17th district election.