General Election
Open seat after Gianaris: Democrat Aber Kawas faces Republican Han-Khon To
Michael Gianaris, who was the Senate's deputy leader, did not run again, leaving the seat open. Aber Kawas won the June 23 Democratic primary over Steven Raga with 60.2%; Han-Khon To, who lost to Gianaris here in 2024 with 32.3%, advanced after the Republican primary was canceled.
Associate Director of Partnerships, CLEAR, July 2024 to April 2026
Health care — Supports passing the New York Health Act so every New Yorker gets free, comprehensive care at the point of service regardless of employment, income or immigration status. Also wants guaranteed safe-staffing ratios at all New York hospitals, and higher wages, an end to the 24-hour workday and better conditions for long-term care workers.
Zohran Mamdani +2
Republican candidate for State Senate District 12 in 2024; lost to Michael Gianaris with 28,192 votes (32.3%)
No endorsements beyond the Republican nomination were found as of Sept. 29, 2026.
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Cycle-to-date · NYS Board of Elections — figures change as new reports are filed.
KawasResearched & verified Sep 29, 2026. Compiled from verified public sources; claims that failed verification are excluded.
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