Local Democratic and Republican voters on Tuesday cast their ballots for the candidate they hope will win the governor's office in November.
Seven gubernatorial candidates are running in the primary. Among the Democrats, Gov. Kathy Hochul is facing U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. While the Republican race is between former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, U.S. Rep Lee Zeldin, businessman Harry Wilson, and Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
At the All Saints Church polling location, Syracuse voter Catlin Nye said recent Supreme Court decisions on abortion and guns have the public focused on national issues, but local and state races can more directly impact communities.
"Voting in your local elections is actually going to have a much bigger impact in your everyday life than even what goes on at a federal level," Nye said.
Voter Elnora Berndt said she she's casting her vote for a GOP candidate who can defeat the Democrats' choice in November.
"I definitely want a Republican to win, absolutely, and I’m all out for whomever I feel will do the best job," Berndt said.
But Syracuse resident Ronald Robinson said he thinks the right official already holds the post and hopes to see Hochul win it all in the general election.
"She came in after everything that’s going on and I think she’s doing a good job," Robinson said.
Town of Pompey voters are choosing local officials. Polling sites close at 9 p.m.
Editor's note: Due to an editing error, a radio version of this story that aired during All Things Considered incorrectly identified the positions of two candidates.