Rogerson Leads Tedisco in State Senate Race
Democrat Sarah Rogerson holds a 5,404-vote lead over Republican Jim Tedisco with one district still unreported.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Democrat Sarah Rogerson led Republican State Senator Jim Tedisco by 5,404 votes in the New York State Senate race, according to unofficial results from the New York State Board of Elections. Rogerson declared victory overnight, but Tedisco has not conceded.
Why it matters
Democrats are poised to regain a two-thirds majority in the New York State Senate after losing it in 2024, according to Times Union projections. The outcome would shift the balance of power in Albany for the state's legislative agenda.
The lead stood at 5,404 votes at 2:32 a.m. with one election district still outstanding and results unofficial. Final certification will determine whether the margin holds once the remaining district reports.
The players
Sarah Rogerson
Democratic candidate who declared victory over Tedisco overnight in the New York State Senate race.
Jim Tedisco
Republican State Senator who has served more than four decades in the New York State Legislature, including 17 terms in the Assembly and service as Assembly minority leader from 2005 to 2009.
The details
Results from the New York State Board of Elections were unofficial Tuesday night, when Rogerson led Tedisco by 5,404 votes as of 2:32 a.m. Tedisco, who has represented the 44th District in the Senate since 2023, has not conceded the race.
Timeline
2005 to 2009: Tedisco served two terms as Assembly minority leader.
2017: Tedisco replaced Hugh Farley in the state Assembly.
2023: Tedisco began representing the 44th District in the Senate.
2024: Democrats lost their two-thirds majority in the State Senate.
November 3, 2026: Election night, when Rogerson led Tedisco by 5,404 votes.
Legislative Context
The race could return Democrats to the two-thirds Senate majority they lost in 2024, reversing that setback in New York's upper chamber. The outcome would mark a shift from the post-2024 balance that had constrained the party's legislative options in Albany.
A two-thirds Senate majority would let Democrats advance legislation without Republican votes, affecting state laws on taxes, budgets, and policy. Residents of the 44th District will be represented by whichever candidate is confirmed as the winner.
The takeaway
Close legislative races can hinge on a handful of votes until every district reports, so final certified results matter more than election-night margins.
Further reading
Follow the latest developments in Legislative Policy as New York's Senate balance is determined.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAMC/Northeast Public Radio.
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