Democrats in western New York retained control of the county executive’s office in Erie County on Tuesday, with Mark Poloncarz, the incumbent, winning a record fourth term by fending off a spirited challenge from Chrissy Casilio, a first-time Republican candidate, according to The Associated Press.
Erie County, home to the liberal stronghold of Buffalo, typically leans Democratic, but Republicans sought to oust Mr. Poloncarz by hammering him for initially welcoming migrants being bused to the county from New York City before abruptly reversing his decision.
The Erie County contest was one of several New York races that both parties were watching closely as potential barometers of voters’ attitudes about the migrant crisis heading into next year’s elections. At least six congressional seats in the state are expected to be fiercely contested in 2024, making New York a crucial battleground in the fight for House control.
On Long Island, Republicans were hoping to regain control of the county executive’s office in Suffolk County for the first time in two decades. Doing so would allow them to reclaim one of the last Democratic strongholds in the New York City suburbs.
Ed Romaine, the Republican nominee, challenged Dave Calone, the Democrat, by attacking Democratic policies related to crime, the cost of living and a worsening crisis at the southern border that has resulted in more than 100,000 migrants flooding into New York in the past year.
A victory by Mr. Romaine would continue his party’s recent resurgence on Long Island, where Republicans now control all four House seats amid a push that has swept Democrats out of most major offices over the past two years.
The office of county executive is responsible for levying taxes, maintaining infrastructure and providing other essential, and often apolitical, services to residents.