Midterm election year primaries typically do not generate a lot of voter turnout, but this year could be different. Democrats will head to the polls today for several competitive primary contests featuring 12 Democratic candidates seeking their party's nominations in three central and northern New York congressional districts.
Five of them are competing in northern New York's 21st district, including former MSNBC host Dylan Ratigan, Patrick Nelson of Stillwater, Tedra Cobb of Canton, Katie Wilson of Keene and Emily Martz of Saranac Lake. The winner will face incumbent Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) in November.
There are also five Democrats running in the 23rd district, which covers parts of western New York, the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier. They include Ian Golden of Ithaca, Linda Andrei of Ithaca, Max Della Pia of Owego, Eddie Sundquist of Jamestown and Tracy Mitrano of Penn Yan. The winner will face incumbent Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning).
And in central New York, two Democrats, Dana Balter and Juanita Perez Williams, are squaring off for the chance to challenge incumbent Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus).
Polls are open today from noon until 9 p.m. Only those who are registered Democrats are allowed to participate in today's primaries.
