New York Primary Election Day: See results in the state's key races
NEW YORK -- A major player in New York politics is now out of a job.
Congressman Jerry Nadler was projected the winner Tuesday against Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, with 55% of the votes. Both have been in Congress for 30 years.
The two political heavyweights were forced to run against each other because of redistricting.
Nadler decided to run in Maloney's old district, opening up his seat in the 10th District. The Associated Press called that race for former federal prosecutor Dan Goldman, over Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou and Congressman Mondaire Jones.
As CBS2's John Dias reported, it was a major upset Tuesday for Maloney, who spent the last three decades representing the area. Nadler is now taking over.
With monumental support behind him during his victory speech and even more immense support showing up to the polls, Nadler successfully won Manhattan's newly redrawn 12th Congressional District. It now includes his home, the Upper West Side, where he spent most of his adult life.
"When it comes to unpacking our Supreme Court, I am going to stand up and fight. We're going to end the scourge of gun violence in America, because we're going to stand up and fight," he said.
He slid to victory fairly quickly over his fellow House Democrat. The two spent 30 years working alongside each other in Congress, but only one could win.
"I am proud to have followed in the footsteps and stand on the shoulders of the strong New York women who opened doors and took on the tough battles," Maloney said.
The race between the two seasoned politicians also include a third newcomer, attorney Suraj Patel. It was one of the most closely watched in New York this cycle, but it seemingly ended Maloney's long career in politics after 15 terms.
"It has been a great, great honor and a joy and a privilege to work for you and be with you. I view public service as a loan, one that has to be repaid each and every day you're in office. It has been the joy of my life," she said.
While not official, Goldman says he's on track to join Congress representing the 10th District -- Nadler's old seat.
"This has been an inspiring and humbling experience as a first time candidate," he said.
Progressive Assemblywoman Niou is not far behind in the vote count and not in the mood to give up.
"We will not conceded until we count every vote," she said.
Maloney is not the only one losing their Congressional seat. Freshman Congressman Mondaire Jones is also losing his after taking a gamble to switch over to the 10th District.
Since both districts are predominantly blue, both winners of these primaries will likely win the General Election in November.
See live updates below for the latest.
Gov. Hochul a winner, Mayor Adams a loser on Election Day
Perhaps the biggest story from Tuesday's primary elections in New York was political giant Carolyn Maloney being ousted by Congressman Jerry Nadler.
But as CBS2's Marcia Kramer reported Wednesday, there were winners and losers whose names weren't on the ballot.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Eric Adams weren't running for anything Tuesday, but both spent their political capital to back candidates who were.
For the mayor, it was a bad investment. For the governor, well, let's just say she was pleased to take a victory lap after the Democratic candidate in a Hudson Valley swing district surprised many by winning.
"He is exactly who New Yorkers want to have, someone who represents New York values," Hochul said.
Hochul walked away from the podium, ending an illegal guns press conference, but she was only too happy to return to talk about the victory of Democrat Pat Ryan in a bellwether special election in the state's 19th Congressional District to replace Antoino Delgado, who stepped down to become her lieutenant governor.
It was a double victory because Ryan won talking about the issues she has made the centerpiece of her gubernatorial campaign -- abortion and protection from gun violence.
"That's how you get winners. That's how you win elections like he did unexpectedly," Hochul said.
Adams had a tougher Election Day. He backed about a dozen state Senate candidates, but only a few found the win column, which could make it more difficult for him in Albany.
"Regardless of, you know, what happened last night, the mayor is going to have lot of trouble pushing through the reforms that he wants to see seen in the state Senate," political consultant Javier Lacayo said.
Nadler emerged victorious in the day's marquee race, defeating fellow Rep. Maloney in the newly redrawn 12th District. Nadler spoke of the challenges ahead.
"When it comes to unpacking our Supreme Court, I'm going to stand up and fight. We're going to end the scourge of gun violence. We're going to restore abortion access across our entire nation," Nadler said.
"I'm proud to have followed in the footsteps and stand on the shoulders of the strong New York women who opened doors and took on the tough battles," Maloney said.
In the other high-profile race for the open seat in the 10th District in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, former federal prosecutor Dan Goldman declared victory in a tight race against several challengers.
"This has been an inspiring and humbling experience as a first-time candidate," Goldman said.
However, the second place finisher, progressive Assemblywomen Yuh-Line Niou, is not giving up.
"We will not concede until we count every vote," Niou said.
There are a lot of absentee ballots in the district. Both Goldman and Niou hope it goes their way.
Expert analysis: What this means for New Yorkers
We're breaking down the New York Primary results with a recap of key races and expert analysis.
Political expert Javier Lacayo joined CBS News New York to discuss how it will impact everyday New Yorkers.
"I think New York will continue to have a lot of clout in Congress, and really the focus for New York Democrats needs to be in making sure that they maintain control of the chamber in a year that's going to be very competitive with Republicans," he said.
Watch his full interview above.
Polls close in New York
Polls have now closed across New York state.
For the latest election results, click here.
Breaking down what's at stake in New York's Primary elections
There was a lot at stake in New York's Primary elections despite low voter turnout. CBS2 political reporter Marcia Kramer breaks down what it all means.
A look at key New York state Senate races
CBS2's Dick Brennan was keeping an eye on key state Senate races, where left-wing and moderate Democrats were battling it out, and often with Mayor Eric Adams taking sides, wanting to push his party to the center and in hopes of gaining influence in the state legislature where he would like to see more bail reform.
In Brooklyn in the 25th state Senate District, the progressive Jabari Brisport faced the Rev. Conrad Tillard, whom the mayor supported. Brisport is currently in the lead.
In the 31st Senate District in Manhattan, incumbent Robert Jackson squared off against Angel Vasquez and holds a 19-point lead.
In the Bronx, the hotly contested 33rd Senate District, progressive Sen. Gustovo Rivera was in fierce fight with another Adams-backed candidate, Miguelino Camilo and it continues to be a tight race right now.
In the 59th district in parts of Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, Kristen Gonzalez, who had the support of Democratic Socialists, is way ahead of Elizabeth Crowley, a moderate backed by Adams.
Long Island congressional races being watched nationwide
Because of the timing, in August, polling places CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff saw on Long Island were almost empty, yet in the end, this primary is going to have consequences nationally.
With three open congressional seats, the Long Island suburban vote is being watched nationwide.
"Long Island's being watched all over the country for a hint to how suburban swing voter, the ones who decide national elections, are going to go," Hofstra University suburban studies chairman Lawrence Levy said.
Long Island voters picked contenders in four congressional races. Three of them were rare open seats with veteran politicians Lee Zeldin, Tom Suozzi and Kathleen Rice moving on.
After redistricting shifted district lines, they are unusually competitive races with voters motivated by national issues, like abortion rights, the economy, climate change and police funding.
All four Long Island congressional seats are counted among the "flippable." Long island party bosses are ready to tap into national passions.
"These are consequential decisions that were made by this court and been advocated for by this extreme Republican party for decades ... Voters are going to have their chance to make their voices heard, and I think they will, loud and clear," New York State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs said.
"We're hearing gas prices at $4-5 a gallon. We're hearing about empty grocery shelves ... And on top of that, our neighbors don't feel safe anymore," Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia said.
No one is willing to make predictions just yet for the November outcomes. These races are all considered close and Long Island voters, unpredictable.
As of 11 p.m., in the 1st District, Republican Nicholas LaLota had the lead with 47% of the vote. In the 2nd District, Republican Andrew Garbarino was ahead with 54% of the vote. In the 3rd District, Democrat Robert Zimmerman led with 36% of the vote. In the 4th District, Democrat Laura Gillen had a commanding 69% of the vote.
Garbarino, Zimmerman and Gillen have all declared victory, and the Associated Press projects LaLota the winner in his district.
Goldman declares victory, but Niou not conceding in 10th Congressional District
Congressman Jerry Nadler's decision to run in the 12th Congressional District opened up his seat in the 10th.
A dozen Democrats were on the ballot in the district that now covers most of Lower Manhattan, along with Park Slope and other parts of Brooklyn.
Results as of 11 p.m. show former federal prosecutor Dan Goldman with a fairly narrow lead over Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou.
Goldman was the lead counsel for House Democrats in the first impeachment of Donald Trump. He poured $2 million of his own fortune into the race and declared victory Tuesday night, but Niou, running a strong second, is saying not so fast.
"This has been an inspiring and humbling experience as a first-time candidate, and to stand in front of you here today as your Democratic nominee for Congress ... And while we will appreciate and respect the democratic process and make sure that all of the votes are counted, it is quite clear from the way that the results have come in that we have won," Goldman told supporters.
Niou, meanwhile, told her supporters, "I know that tonight's results aren't yet what we hoped to hear, but we will not concede until we count every vote."
As CBS2's Tony Aiello reports, it's not clear if there are enough absentee ballots that will put Niou over the top.
Whoever wins on the Democratic side will face Republican Benine Hamdan in November.
Congressman Mondaire Jones appeared to come in third in the 10th District. Jones represents a district that's split between Westchester and Rockland counties. With the musical chairs of redistricting, he moved to Brooklyn and ran in the 10th.
He said he's proud of what he was able to accomplish in Congress. He is seen as a bright light in the Democratic Party, and even though he will not be on the ballot in the fall and will not be in Congress next year, many feel Jones is a promising star in the Democratic Party and his future is bright.
Rep. Nadler slides to victory in newly redrawn 12th Congressional District
Congressman Jerry Nadler has defeated Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and attorney Suraj Patel in the hotly contested 12th Congressional District.
CBS2's Ali Bauman was at Nadler's headquarters on the Upper West Side when the projection came down, not even an hour after the polls closed. The room burst into applause, and supporters sporadically broke out into "Jerry" chants in the hours after.
In his victory speech, Nadler said after 30 years in Congress, he decided to run again in the newly redrawn 12th District because Manhattan's West Side is his home, the residents are his community and he did not want to be anywhere else.
Watch Nadler's full speech
Nadler slid to victory fairly quickly over Maloney, whom he has spent 30 years working alongside with in Congress.
He thanked his family, staff, the volunteers who campaigned for him and, of course, his constituents, who he said made their voices clear.
He also spoke of what he called overwhelming challenges he still faces in Congress but said as a lifelong New Yorker, he will do what New Yorkers do, which is stand up and fight.
"When it comes to unpacking our Supreme Court, I'm going to stand up and fight. We're going to end the scourge of gun violence in America because we're going to stand up and fight. We're going to restore abortion access across our entire nation. I'm going to stand up and fight to protect and expand our other fundamental rights, too," Nadler said.
Nadler said he has spoken to both Maloney and Patel tonight, and he spoke highly of them in his speech, calling Patel a bright and committed young leader, as well as thanking Congresswoman Maloney for her decades of service to New York City.
CBS News projects win for Rep. Nadler
CBS News and the Associated Press are projecting that Rep. Jerrold Nadler has won the Democratic nomination in New York's 12th Congressional District.
12 official Democratic candidates square off in 10th Congressional District
It's one of the most compelling congressional primary seasons on record, after redistricting set off a high-stakes game of musical chairs.
A huge number of Democrats decided to take a chance in the 10th Congressional District.
CBS2's Tony Aiello has more on how the race is shaping up.
Voters can't complain about a lack of choices. There are 12 official candidates in the Democratic primary, a number of them with impressive resumes and records.
The district map has changed. The old 10th Congressional District snaked from Borough Park, Brooklyn up into the western half of Lower Manhattan and all along the West Side to Morningside Heights.
The new district is much more compact, taking in all of Lower Manhattan and moving north in Brooklyn to encompass Park Slope, Cobble Hill, and Dumbo.
Current Congressman Jerry Nadler decided to run in the new 12th District, creating a rare open seat. Six candidates have been on top of the voter opinion polls.
Former federal prosecutor Dan Goldman was lead counsel for the first impeachment of Donald Trump. He has put more than $2 million of his own money into the race.
Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou is also polling well. She has energized many progressive voters.
Current 17th District Congressman Mondaire Jones relocated to Brooklyn from Westchester County as part of the musical chairs after redistricting. He is one of the few openly gay Black men currently in Congress, and is seen as a bridge between the progressive and moderate Democrats.
With many impressive candidates, the following is sample of how some voters say they're making their choice:
"I read a lot. I went online and read and discussed with people," one woman said. "But it did take a lot of reading."
"How left or center they are as Democrats," a man said, when asked how he made his choice. "So I voted for one of the centrist Democrats."
Another woman said it was a tough decision, adding, "I was also swayed by who was doing well, given that there were so many candidates."
Former Mayor Bill de Blasio dipped his toe into the primary waters, but felt a distinct chill from the voters and ended his campaign. However, he is still on the ballot, making it 13 names the voters have to choose from.
The race to watch: New York's 12th Congressional District
The race to watch tonight is in the 12th Congressional District, where two of the most powerful Democrats in Congress have been pitted against each other with a third candidate who's nearly half their age.
As CBS2's Ali Bauman reports, while it was a quiet Election Day in the heat of August, there is a lot at stake.
The polls are closed and now all there is to do is wait.
"It's a really tough one. I think it's gonna be close, actually," one voter said.
The candidates hit the pavement earlier to make their final push for New York's 12th Congressional District.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is fighting to keep her seat. The newly redrawn district has pitted the Upper East Sider against her West Side counterpart, Congressman Jerry Nadler.
Hoping to unseat both of them is 38-year-old attorney Suraj Patel.
"It used to be whenever there was a woman on the ballot, I felt like I had to vote for her regardless, and now I'm so thrilled there are so many women running. Now I just have to agree with them," voter Carolyn Montgomery said.
Both Maloney and Nadler have 30 years in Congress.
Nadler chairs the House Judiciary Committee and has highlighted the fact he is the only sitting Jewish congressman from New York City.
Maloney chairs the House Oversight Committee and has leaned into being the only woman in this race, in a post-Roe election.
Patel is a former Obama staffer, running as a fresh face for generational change.
"I did like Suraj Patel and ... the new energy he might bring," voter Patrick Wesonga said.
"[Maloney's] also a woman and she also stands strong on abortion issues and is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, so I voted for her," voter Jen Sales said.
"Nadler really supports my values," voter Steven Birkeland said.
"Nadler's been here for a zillion years, and before him, Ted Weiss, so I kinda went with my guys who have been with this neighborhood for a long time," voter Russ Owen said.
No matter what happens, one thing is for sure -- at least one of New York's most veteran congressmembers will be out of a job.
Anthony Salvanto on N.Y. Primary elections, what's motivating voters
Director of elections and surveys for CBS News Anthony Salvanto joined CBS2's Kristine Johnson and Dick Brennan to discuss what's motivating voters in New York's Primary elections.
Ed O'Keefe on New York's Primary elections, November midterms
CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe joined CBS2's Maurice DuBois and Marcia Kramer to discuss New York's Primary elections.
New York on verge of losing clout in Washington
This has been the most extraordinary Primary election New Yorkers have ever experienced.
Not only is the state on the verge of losing clout in Washington, but CBS2 political reporter Marcia Kramer says many Democrats feel it was totally avoidable.
When all the Primary votes are tallied, the political careers of a number of highly regarded and powerful New York Congressmembers could well be over. The hope of helping Democrats maintain control of the House has been dashed, and Democratic lawmakers brought it on themselves.
Political consultant Basil Smikle, who has an in-depth knowledge of Democratic party politics in New York, admits that this primary election is a self-inflicted wound.
"Did the Democrats get greedy?" Kramer asked.
"There was definitely a Democratic overreach. You know, they tried to do too much," Smikle said.
At fault, he says, are New York state lawmakers who threw out district lines drawn by a non-partisan commission and instead drew their own districts in the hope of creating more Democratic seats and helping Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats maintain control of the lower chamber in the capital. It was fuzzy math.
Before the new Census, the New York delegation had 27 seats -- 19 Democrats and eight Republicans. New York lost one seat in the Census. The new lines drawn by lawmakers created 22 Democratic seats and just four Republican seats.
"It was so egregious, particularly the Staten Island seat, that Republicans took the Democrats to court and won," Smikle said.
Smikle is talking about the attempt by Democratic lawmakers to make it nearly impossible for Staten Island-Brooklyn Republican Congresswoman Nicole Maliotakis to win. They removed conservative areas like Bay Ridge from her district and substituted liberal areas like Park Slope, home of super-progressive former mayor Bill DeBlasio.
"For Republicans, it was a bridge too far," Smikle said.
It was also apparently a bridge too far for the state court of appeals. It said it was gerrymandering, plain and simple. A special master was appointed to redraw the lines.
He fixed the Maliotakis district, but, in the process, forced two big-time Washington power brokers to run against each other. At the end of the night, either House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerry Nadler or Oversight Chair Carolyn Maloney, or both, will not be going back to Washington.
Also two of the state's African-American, gay congressmen, Mondaire Jones and Jamaal Bowman, are in a fight for survival.
"This was a completely avoidable mess, if you will ... Could potentially lose Democrats seats in the House at a very important time in our history," Smikle said.
Losing clout in Washington could hurt both Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. They are seeking support for a host of critical needs -- the MTA, building new tunnels under the Hudson and funds to cope with the influx of asylum seekers, to name a few.
Whether or not races are called Tuesday night is going to depend on how close races like the Nadler-Maloney race and the new 10th District are. With many voters out of town or on vacation right now, there are a huge number of absentee ballots in Manhattan and Brooklyn that could affect the outcome.
Mayor Adams-backed centrist Dems taking on progressives in state Senate races
There is a crucial battle in several key New York State Senate races, and the fight is among Democrats.
In some ways Democratic primaries have become kind of proxy fight between Mayor Eric Adams and the moderate wing of the party, and those supported by the left wing, and it still has to do with the fight over bail reform.
The battle lines are drawn as Democrats fight for the soul of their party.
Incumbent Manhattan Sen. Robert Jackson is facing off against challenger Angel Vasquez in a newly redrawn district.
The Bronx's progressive state senator, Gustavo Rivera, is facing a fight from Miguelina Camilo, who is backed by Mayor Adams.
In Brooklyn, the leftist incumbent, Jabari Brisport, is going head to head with the Rev. Conrad Tillard, who is also endorsed by the mayor.
And in an open seat in Queens, Adams tapped moderate former City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley in the race against Kristen Gonzalez, who has the support of the Democratic socialists.
"The battle of the Democratic party is between the center, the moderates, frankly, and the left, the progressives. Who will turn out a vote and who can win those races? Can the progressives put the forces together on the ground to turn out a vote is the great test today," Democratic political strategist Hank Sheinkopf said.
And there is a test for Mayor Adams. He hopes his support of moderate candidates will send a signal to Albany and Gov. Kathy Hochul.
"The mayor's problem is he's gotta win if he wants to get bail reform done and if he wants the help in Albany he needs and the respect he requires. If he doesn't get the respect from the Albany politicians by beating them, well, he's gonna have problems going forward," Sheinkopf said.
But how can any candidates turn out the vote in the third week in August, when many are checked out, or even out of town?
"Voting is ritualistic. It's behavioral. It's constant. It's kind of the thing you do at a particular time on a particular day. When you move it to the third week in August, a Tuesday, when no one votes, only the most likely voters who have participated as part of their religion will turn out and everybody else gets lost," Sheinkopf said.
Do endorsements matter? We will find out. The mayor did have some success with the candidates he endorsed in the first round of primaries in June.
Long Island congressional races could impact balance of power in Washington
PLAINVIEW, N.Y. -- August is an odd time for a primary and even more unusual is the fact on Long Island there are three open congressional seats and a fourth seat with a freshman congressman facing a primary.
All of those races are being watched nationwide.
"The House of Representatives, the decision to go Republican, starts here on Long Island because of the opportunities we have here in Suffolk and in Nassau County," Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia said.
"The House of Representatives is going to be decided by perhaps a handful of members of Congress, so what happens on Long Island is very important," state Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs said.
There may be high stakes, but there has also been low turnout. It's confusing for some voters because not only is it a rare primary day in August, but also congressional district lines have also shifted on Long Island.
Add in the departure of three familiar faces -- Lee Zeldin, who running for governor, and Tom Suozzi and Kathleen Rice, who have left their seats -- and the field is wide open.
Three Republicans are vying for the nomination in the 1st District to face Democrat Bridget Fleming in November.
In the 2nd District, incumbent Andrew Garbarino is facing a challenge from two Republicans. The winner will take on Jackie Gordon in the general election.
In what was Suozzi's 3rd District, it's a five-way race in the Democratic primary to face George Santos in November.
And in what was Rice's 4th District, one of four Democrats will face Anthony D'Esposito in the fall.
It's a rare opportunity for Long Island to impact the balance of power in Washington, where open seats are rare.
"Because Long Island is what we consider a typical swing region, we get to see here the trends that are going to go nationwide," said Lawrence Levy, chairman of suburban studies at Hofstra University. "Political operatives around the country are looking at Long Island to see which way the respective parties are going -- will Trump-endorsed candidates triumph over more moderate candidates; will Democratic progressives have sway over moderates."
It's a long way to November and no one is willing to call any of these four seats on Long Island. Democrats have a slight enrollment advantage across the two counties, but one-third of voters are independent and with redistricting and of the seats could go either way.
No matter who wins the 12th District, it will be a shakeup in Washington
Much of New York will be watching the race between two Democratic mainstays, and allies in Congress.
They're now vying for the same seat -- and a third, younger candidate is hoping to squeeze them out.
It has been relatively quiet at the voting booths, but there is a lot at stake.
The candidates are making their final push in the 12th Congressional District Tuesday.
Rep. Jerry Nadler cast his vote on his home turf, the Upper West Side.
"Carolyn and I have worked on a lot of things together, but I think I have a more principled, progressive record," Nadler said.
Nadler currently represents the 10th District, but redistricting earlier this year redrew the 12th District to stretch from Stuy-Town on the East Side up to West 114th Street, pitting Nadler against his longtime ally on the East Side, Rep. Carolyn Maloney.
"I came to Congress to fight for the Equal Rights Amendment. And I want to go back to push it over the finish line," Maloney said.
Both were first elected to Congress in 1992.
Maloney chairs the House Oversight Committee, while Nadler chairs the Judiciary Committee. Hoping to unseat them both is 38-year-old attorney and former Obama staffer Suraj Patel.
"The status quo in Washington, D.C. is broken. Washington no longer works for New York, and New Yorkers need to send a fighter," Patel said.
Maloney has leaned into the fact she's the only woman in this race, while Nadler highlighted he is the only sitting Jewish congressman from New York City, and Patel focused on his youthful and more moderate energy.
Bauman caught up with voters to ask how they were deciding.
"Sometimes I think it's better to have someone who's young and hungry and haven't gotten into the whole political system," said voter Gwyn McAllister.
"I support, since 1992, Nadler," one voter said.
"It's just time for a change, period," said another.
"Nadler. I wanted him as opposed to Maloney. I don't like her views on abortion," said voter Antonia Steiner.
"I think abortion rights, women's rights are huge right now," said voter Christie Caluccia.
"Democracy is in trouble now, and one of the campaigns is really about that, so I made my decision based on that," said voter Carlton Thompkins.
No matter what happens Tuesday, at least one of New York's most veteran members of Congress will be out of a job.
12th District race shaping up as battle between House veterans, sharp newcomer
There's not much left for the candidates to do in the 12th Congressional District. The power now lies in the hands of the voters.
Many who spoke to CBS2's Zinnia Maldonado throughout Tuesday morning said they think the final results will be close.
"Every vote counts and I care about our city a lot," one person said.
The people and the politicians of New York City hit the polls to decide the next 12th Congressional District representative.
"People's voices need to be heard and that is the only reason I participate in the elections," one resident said.
"I'm feeling very good," Rep. Jerry Nadler said.
Optimistic Nadler cast his vote on Tuesday morning.
"I was out campaigning early this morning. I'll be out campaigning this afternoon. You do everything you can. You don't want to lose an election and think to yourself, if only I done that," Nadler said.
Nadler currently represents the 10th District and is looking to take Rep. Carolyn Maloney's title as representative of the 12th.
"I came to Congress to fight for the Equal Rights Amendment, and I want to go back to push it over the finish line," Maloney said.
Maloney and Nadler are going up against each other after the district's lines were redrawn earlier this year, and now Maloney is fighting to keep her spot.
"They're both strong candidates," one voter said.
"It's very unfortunate that two terrific candidates are pitted against each other," another said.
Also vying for the House seat is attorney Suraj Patel, who was out Tuesday morning campaigning for last-minute votes.
"Elections are about the future. They're about energies, ideas and optimism, hope for New York," Patel said.
Those watching the race closely believe it's going to be a matter of who gets their voters to the polls.
"We just hope a couple more people come out and vote because it's an important election," said Fred Umane, Manhattan Commissioner of the New York City Board of Elections.
"We on the West Side, really love Nadler. The people on the East Side, I know a lot of them really love [Maloney], so the big question is going to be who's going to win?" a voter said.
One thing's for sure, by the end of Tuesday at least one of New York City's most veteran member of Congress will be voted out of office.
Voters sound off about rent, subway crime
New York's brand new 10th Congressional District was redrawn to include all of Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.
As CBS2's Natalie Duddridge reports, the competition is tough for the rare open seat.
Anthony Loring was the first person to cast his ballot when polls opened at 6 a.m. Tuesday at 81 New Street.
"The issues I care the most about are candidates who have an economic message that looks out for the least economically advantaged people," he told Duddridge.
Voters sounded off on a range of issues.
"I want the rent to go down a little bit. It's a little expensive right now -- $5,000, $6,000. I mean, some people are paying $7,000 I know. It's ridiculous," one person said.
"To clean up the streets," another person added. 'It's just really sad. I feel like there are a lot of people that need help that they're not getting."
"Subway crime, it's scary," another agreed.
"I care about cleaning up the streets, placing people with mental issues who are homeless into places so that when we commute into work we feel safe," Queens resident Bryan Stephens said.
The ballot features 13 candidates. A recent Emerson College poll showcased the top six.
Leading the way was former federal prosecutor Dan Goldman, who voted last Wednesday during early voting. He was followed by Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, who cast her ballot at 8 a.m. in Lower Manhattan and encouraged people to vote.
At 9 a.m., first-term Congressman Mondaire Jones voted at P.S. 58 in Brooklyn. City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera made a final push to voters on Fifth Avenue in Brooklyn.
Also in the race are Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simone and former Congresswoman Holtzman.
As for the Republican candidate, risk analyst Benine Hamdan is running unopposed.
The district is heavily Democratic, so the winner of this primary will likely go on to win the General Election in November.
Hitting the polls early
CBS2's Zinnia Maldonado spoke with voters casting their ballots in the hotly contested 12th Congressional District.
"I'm interested in politics, so I always like to -- it only takes a minute when you come out early," one man said.
"I just think they are workhorses. I would like to see them both go out with honor and dignity and just make way for a new wave of candidates," a woman added.
Voters on the issues
CBS2's Natalie Duddridge caught up with voters as they cast their ballots in the newly redrawn 10th Congressional District.
"The issues I care the most about are candidate who have an economic message that looks out for the least economically advantaged people," Manhattan resident Anthony Loring told Duddridge. "I don't really care what happens to the billionaires and millionaires in terms of tax issues, but I think a lot of the way resources are distributed in this country has gotten skewed for the past 40 years or so, and there are people who have a lot more than they'll ever need and people who are struggling to get by. So a more balanced and fair distribution of resources."
Election Day in NYC
All eyes on 12th District
An Emerson College poll released last week had Congressman Jerry Nadler as the frontrunner, ahead of Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and attorney Suraj Patel.
Political experts say voter turnout is going to be a major factor.
"I want to go back to Congress to make sure that women are in the constitution so they cannot roll back the rights that we already have," Maloney said Monday.
Fifteen-term Congresswoman Maloney, who chairs the powerful House Oversight Committee, is in the fight of her life in the newly redrawn district.
The race to represent the 12th Congressional District is going to be a matter of who gets their voters to the polls, and if younger voters turn out for Patel.
"We're the only campaign presenting a plan for the next decade," he said on the campaign trail.
Nadler has the support of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
"I've passed the Respect for Marriage Act to codify the right of marriage equality whatever the Supreme Court says, and I passed the assault weapons ban," Nadler said.
Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is supporting Maloney.
"I came to the Congress to fight for the Equal Rights Amendment, and I want to go back to put it over the finish line," Maloney said.
"For both Maloney and Nadler, they've got significant seniority in Congress, they've got a lot of clout in Congress," said former New Jersey State Legislator John Wisniewski. "One of them will not have a seat when this is over, so both of them should be worried."
Nadler has served in the 10th District since 2013, and Maloney has been in the 12th District since 2013.
Vying for new 10th District
A crowded field of Democrats is facing off in the 10th Congressional District.
They include Congressman Mondaire Jones, former Congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman and prosecutor Daniel Goldman.
The district is brand new, and the lines have been redrawn ton include all of Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. That means a rare open seat.
Voters in Prospect Heights sounded off Monday on what matters most to them, with safety top of mind.
"People that can reform the city based on what's been changing for the past year or so, and make it a more livable place, and bring everything back to what it was before the pandemic," voter Michael Rosenblum told CBS2. "Someone that will ensure rents can go down, and public safety."
"We like to hangout in the park. Now we're scared, we can't even go there, because you don't know what's going to happen," another voter added.
The ballot features 13 candidates. A recent Emerson College poll showcased the top six.
Leading the way was former federal prosecutor Goldman, followed by Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, first-term Congressman Jones, City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simone, and former Congresswoman Holtzman.
As for the Republican candidate, risk analyst Benine Hamdan is running unopposed in what is a heavily Democratic district.
"I'm really hoping the candidates think about working families and think about progressive stances, and really holding our leaders accountable," voter Megan Cayler said. "We are fortunate enough to live in one of the most diverse cities in the entire country, and I would love to have elected officials who reflect that."
Again, the district is heavily Democratic, so winning the primary is a near-guarantee to entering Congress next January.
Marcia Kramer sets the stage
CBS2's Political Reporter Marcia Kramer has a look at where the races stand heading into Election Day.
When & where to vote
Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. statewide.
CLICK HERE to find your polling location.