The G.O.P. Gained Ground in New York in 2022. Can Democrats Recover?

In the State Capitol in Albany, N.Y., which is dominantly Democratic, local politics have seen a shift. Democrats have maintained strong control since 2018, but a Republican resurgence in 2022 has challenged their position. The Democratic-led legislature previously enacted numerous progressive reforms, including changes to criminal justice and housing laws, and proposed a constitutional amendment on abortion rights, pending voter approval.

However, some initiatives like bail reforms and congestion pricing have sparked criticism and created opportunities for Republicans to gain ground. Republicans hope to leverage concerns about inflation, crime, and immigration to appeal to voters. They argue that a balance of power between both parties could benefit the state, echoing historical governance patterns.