New York state is due to have a new governor replace the current Governor Cuomo after his 10 years running the state. This year presents a unique set of candidates vying for the role of Governor of New York. With the primary elections coming up soon, let’s take a look at the candidates and see who might be the best choice for the new Governor this year.
Background of the Race
The New York state governor’s race has been long expected with the current Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo’s term ending this year. He is unable to run for a fourth term. This is the first time in 40 years that the people of New York will have an open governor race.
The list of potential candidates has been long and varied, but the field has narrowed significantly in the past few months. Currently, there are six major contenders left in the race, each one vying to make the most compelling case for why they should be the state’s next governor.
Current Candidates
Let’s take a look at the six main candidates currently in the race for the Governor of New York:
Andrew Yang:
Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and 2020 presidential candidate, is the current leading candidate in the governor’s race. He is a Democrat and his proposals are generally progressive. He has emphasized various proposals regarding education, health care, the environment, and economic growth that he believes can help propel New York to excel under his leadership.
Cynthia Nixon:
Cynthia Nixon is a well-known actress who appeared as Miranda in the television show “Sex and the City.” She is running as a Democrat, with a progressive platform focused on economic and environmental justice, increased healthcare and educational access, and simplifying the state’s tax code.
Kathleen Rice:
Kathleen Rice is a former U.S. Representative and the current Nassau County District Attorney. She is running as a Democrat, focusing largely on reducing gun violence, balancing the state budget, and strengthening employment and healthcare opportunities.
Keith Wofford:
Keith Wofford is a Republican attorney and corporate law partner. He is pushing a platform focused largely on fiscal responsibility and shrinking government bureaucracy. He stresses his experience in Finance and Business to showcase how he could make the state more productive and efficient.
Marc Molinaro:
Marc Molinaro, a Republican and the current Dutchess County Executive, is the only non-New York City resident still in the running. He is campaigning on a platform of reducing taxes, providing economic incentives to rural upstate New York, and improving infrastructure.
Stephanie Miner:
Stephanie Miner, an independent former mayor of Syracuse, is running on a left-leaning platform that stresses social and economic justice. She has emphasized her support for labor rights and environmental initiatives, as well as increased access to healthcare for rural New Yorkers.
Voters’ Perspectives
The six remaining candidates have each presented their case, but public opinion has been hard to discern. Many voters are still unsure if they are ready to pick a particular favorite. Some may favor one candidate’s ideology over another, while others may be looking for the candidate with the most practical policy proposals. Moreover, many New Yorkers may be torn between wanting a vigorous challenger to Gov. Cuomo on the one hand and an experienced, qualified leader on the other.
The Debate Over Candidates
The Democratic candidates have taken different approaches to their campaigns. Andrew Yang has endorsed progressive ideas but has also sought to portray himself as a moderate. Meanwhile, Cynthia Nixon has been the most adamant progressive in the race, making strong stances on issues such as healthcare and taxes. Kathleen Rice is the most centrist candidate, positioning herself as a solid moderate choice with a focus on public safety and economic justice.
Unfortunately, there have been alleged ethical lapses involving some of the candidates. Stephanie Miner was accused of using her prior position as mayor for personal gain, and Andrew Yang has been questioned about his record in business dealings. These accusations have had an impact and may have caused some voters to doubt their support for these respective candidates.
Republican candidates have faced their own issues. Keith Wofford has been criticized for his past support for President Trump, as some voters see this as an indication that he wouldn’t be an effective leader of a state that overwhelmingly voted against the president. Marc Molinaro, on the other hand, is the only non-New Yorker in the race and has faced accusations that he is out of touch with the state’s needs.
Looking at the Platforms
Despite their varying backgrounds and platforms, the candidates do share a few similarities. All Democrats except Maxwell have proposed tax hikes and other changes to the tax system, though Cynthia Nixon is the most aggressive on this issue. With the exception of Stephens, the Democrats have taken moderate positions on issues like healthcare and the environment, while the Republicans have focused more on fiscal responsibility.
Nonetheless, the candidates have all put forth platforms that will directly impact the people of New York State. Let’s take a look at their proposals in six key areas:
- Education
All candidates have proposed changes to the current public school system with their own ideas and solutions. Yang has proposed a large school funding increase, while Nixon is putting forth a plan to reduce class sizes and increase teacher pay. Kathleen Rice would use $1.9 billion to restructure the current system, while Wofford proposes a reduction in educational bureaucracy and a focus on local control.
Molinaro has also proposed a larger focus on local control, as well as providing educational funding for special needs students. Finally, Miner has proposed increased funding for vocational and technical schools, in addition to employers hiring students from those schools as apprentices.
-
Environment
Environmental protection and sustainability have also been a big part of the candidates’ platforms. Yang proposes a “Green New Deal”, which is centered around reducing emissions and increasing clean energy usage; Cynthia Nixon is pushing for a ban on hydraulic fracturing, as well as supporting initiatives to reduce plastic waste; Kathleen Rice has proposed preserving the state’s water and land resources; Wofford has pushed for increased technological innovation in the energy industry; Molinaro has proposed increasing funding for river and lake cleanup efforts, as well as more stringent regulations on hazardous waste; and Miner believes that the state should be investing in renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. -
Healthcare
Each candidate has a different idea on how to reform the healthcare system in New York. Yang has proposed an increase in Medicaid spending, as well as a universal healthcare plan. Nixon has promised to protect and expand coverage under the ACA and a full transition to universal healthcare. Rice seeks to lower healthcare costs and decrease bureaucracy, while Wofford seeks to increase both competition and access to care. Molinaro wants to reduce insurance regulations, while Miner has promised to increase mental health services and access to reproductive healthcare. -
Economy
The economy has been a major focus for each candidate in the race. Yang has promised to increase taxes on the wealthy and supports a financial transactions tax. Nixon proposes to raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations, as well as impose regulations on Wall Street. Rice promises to reduce taxes on businesses and simplify the tax code, while Wofford supports a reduction in the corporate tax rate. Molinaro wants to decrease the burden on small businesses, while Miner has promised to tax the wealthy at higher rates. -
Gun Control
In the wake of several mass shootings in the United States, gun control has been an issue of increased importance as well. Yang supports a ban on assault weapons, while Nixon wants to close loopholes in the current background check system. Rice promises to address gun trafficking, while Wofford seeks to increase mental health access and expand concealed carrier rights. Molinaro proposes educating gun dealers, while Miner supports closing background check loopholes and instituting “red-flag laws”. -
Social Justice
Social justice is also a key part of the political environment this election cycle. Yang proposes a variety of initiatives, including criminal justice reform, securing public-sector unions, ending cash bail, and having an independent redistricting commission. Nixon promises increased access to voting for all citizens, as well as ending discrimination in housing, employment, and health care. Rice has promised to combat hate crimes, while Wofford supports increased parental rights for children of immigrants. Molinaro proposes criminal justice reform initiatives, while Miner seeks to reduce poverty in New York State.
This year’s election for New York State Governor will be an important one. Each of the candidates presents unique proposals, ideology, and experience, which will all contribute to the decision of who will be the state’s next Governor. With so much on the line, it will be important for voters in New York to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a candidate. Only time will tell who will be the best choice to lead the state of New York this year.
