Date 4 November 2008 | ||
 | ||
The 2008 congressional elections in New York were held on November 4, 2008 to determine representation in the state of New York in the United States House of Representatives. New York has 29 seats in the House, apportioned according to the 2000 United States Census. Representatives are elected for two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 4, 2009 until January 3, 2011. The election coincided with the 2008 U.S. presidential election.
Contents
- District 13
- District 19
- District 20
- District 21
- District 23
- District 24
- District 25
- District 26
- District 27
- District 28
- District 29
- References
The races not forecasted as safe for the incumbent party were districts 13, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 29.
District 13
Republican incumbent Vito Fossella announced his retirement on May 20, 2008, leaving this an open seat. Democratic City Councilman Michael McMahon, endorsed by the Staten Island Democratic Party won the primary against Steve Harrison, who lost to Fossella in 2006. Republican Robert Straniere defeated Dr. Jamshad Wyne in the parimary. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'.
District 19
Democratic incumbent John Hall was challenged by Republican Kieran Lalor. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'.
District 20
Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand was challenged by Republican Sandy Treadwell. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic'.
District 21
Democratic incumbent Michael R. McNulty retired, leaving this an open seat. Former State Representative Paul Tonko won the five-way Democratic primary, defeating Tracey Brooks and Phil Steck, and two others. Tonko then handily defeated Republican nominee Jim Buhrmaster, who faced a primary challenge from Ron Paul supporter Steven Vasquez.
District 23
Republican incumbent John McHugh ran for re-election against Democrat Mike Oot. CQ Politics forecasted the race as "Safe Republican."
District 24
Democratic incumbent Michael Arcuri was challenged by Republican businessman Richard Hanna. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Democrat Favored'.
District 25
Republican incumbent James T. Walsh retired, leaving this an open seat. Democrat Dan Maffei ran against Republican Dale Sweetland who won in a crowded primary race, and frequent candidate Howie Hawkins using the "Green Populist" label. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Democratic'.
District 26
Republican incumbent Thomas M. Reynolds retired, leaving this an open seat. In an upset victory, Amherst environmental lawyer Alice Kryzan won the Democratic primary against Iraq War veteran Jonathan Powers and maverick millionaire Jack Davis. The Republican nominee was businessman Christopher Lee. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Republican'.
District 27
Democrat Brian Higgins easily defeated Independence Party candidate Dan Humiston. The Republicans did not put forth a candidate, instead cross-endorsing Humiston.
District 28
Democrat Louise Slaughter easily defeated her Republican opponent, David Crimmen, who raised very little money and was primarily token opposition.
District 29
Republican incumbent Randy Kuhl, Jr. was again challenged by Democrat Eric Massa. CQ Politics forecasted the race as 'Leans Republican'. The Cook Political Report ranked it 'Republican Toss Up' The Rothenberg Political Reports rated it as 'Toss-Up/Tilt Democratic'.