The presidential race could have big implications for the state government if voters recoiling from Republican nominee Donald Trump hand the state Senate to Democrats.
That’s the scenario envisioned by top Democrats who say Trump’s unpopularity could boost down-ballot Democrats. If their party wins the Senate, it would give them control of both chambers of the Legislature and the governor’s office.
“The momentum is with us,” said Sen. Mike Gianaris, who leads the Democrats’ Senate campaign efforts.
Gianaris, of Queens, said the lack of enthusiasm for Trump and disillusionment with incumbent Republicans in the Senate will give his party an advantage.
Recent polls show Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has a big lead over Trump in New York state. Those surveys were conducted before Friday’s revelation the FBI is reviewing additional emails possibly related to its investigation into Clinton’s handling of classified emails.
Republicans are eager to defend their last bastion of power in Albany and warn one-party rule by Democrats would lead to higher taxes and give too much power to New York City at the expense of upstate. GOP candidates say Trump, who has promised to build a wall between the United States and Mexico and has appeared on tape talking about women, isn’t a factor.
(AP)