Empire State Today

The New York Daily News editorial board has raised concerns over recent legislative actions by Democrats in the New York state Legislature. The board claims that Democrats are attempting to leave a Republican-held House seat vacant for nearly a year, following the expected confirmation of Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Stefanik, who was elected to her sixth term last November, will need to resign from her congressional seat upon confirmation. Under current law, Governor Kathy Hochul would be required to schedule a special election within 70 to 80 days of the resignation. However, new legislation introduced by state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie proposes allowing the governor to set the special election on the general election date in November.

The editorial argues that this move would unfairly leave New Yorkers without representation for an extended period and could benefit Democrats due to the slim Republican majority in the House under Speaker Mike Johnson. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is reportedly involved in discussions with Albany officials regarding this issue.

The editorial also highlights two longstanding issues with special elections in New York: they lack primaries and are costly for local Boards of Elections. It recalls past practices where former Governor Andrew Cuomo avoided standalone specials whenever possible but was eventually compelled by federal court rulings to hold timely elections.

In conclusion, the editorial suggests that Stefanik should not resign immediately after her Senate confirmation but continue serving until legal challenges can address this legislative change.