Democrats Sweep Western New York Races

Tim Kennedy, Kathy Hochul and Leah Halton-Pope lead Democratic gains across the region on Election Day.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections

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Democrats won major election victories across Western New York on November 4, 2026. Tim Kennedy, a Democrat, defeated Republican Dennis Hannon for New York's 26th Congressional District, with roughly 65% of the vote reported.

Why it matters

The results signal strong Democratic performance in a region that shapes state and federal representation. Political analyst Jack O'Donnell attributed the gains in part to voter dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

With 84% of votes counted Wednesday morning, Kennedy held about 65% in the 26th Congressional District race. Voters also weighed 11 proposed amendments to the Buffalo City Charter, and final certified totals remain pending.

The players

Tim Kennedy

Tim Kennedy is a Democrat who won New York's 26th Congressional District seat over Republican Dennis Hannon.

Kathy Hochul

Kathy Hochul is the Democratic governor of New York who won reelection over Republican Bruce Blakeman.

Crystal Peoples-Stokes

Crystal Peoples-Stokes is New York Assembly Majority Leader who is retiring after more than three decades in public office.

Leah Halton-Pope

Leah Halton-Pope is the Buffalo Common Council majority leader who will succeed Peoples-Stokes in the 141st Assembly District.

The details

Kathy Hochul won reelection over Republican Bruce Blakeman and carried Erie County, her home county. Voters in Buffalo also considered Proposition 8, which would expand the comptroller's role in reviewing the mayor's budget estimates amid a projected $103 million structural deficit.

November 4, 2026: Election Day and Democratic victories across Western New York.
November 5, 2026: Kennedy's vote share reported at 84% counted Wednesday morning.

Political Context

Measured against Hochul's 2022 gubernatorial election, the 2026 Erie County returns show a larger Democratic margin in her home base. Political analyst Jack O'Donnell links the shift partly to voter frustration with President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

Western New York voters will see Tim Kennedy represent the 26th Congressional District and Leah Halton-Pope represent the 141st Assembly District. Buffalo residents will also see whether the City Charter amendments, including Proposition 8, take effect.

The takeaway

Democratic gains across Western New York suggest voters there are weighing national and local issues together. Watch for certified results and for how the Buffalo budget oversight changes take shape.