1. Election Results
Elections across the country showed how national politics and policy influence local outcomes, including in New York State. Nationally, Democrats notched several high-profile wins, including Mikie Sherrill (D) in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, Abigail Spanberger (D) in Virginia’s gubernatorial race, and California voters’ approval of a redistricting ballot measure that could yield up to five additional Democratic congressional seats. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, in the mayoral race (CSEA did not make an endorsement.)Across New York State, CSEA-endorsed candidates performed well, with several notable victories, including:
- Long Island Region 1: In Nassau County, all three endorsed town supervisors, John Ferretti, Jen DeSena, and Joe Saladino, along with endorsed Mayor of Glen Cove, Pam Panzenbeck, were all re-elected.
- Metropolitan Region 2: CSEA-endorsed candidates Mark Levine and Brad Hoylman-Sigal won their elections for NYC Comptroller and Manhattan Burough President, respectively.
- Southern Region 3: All three endorsed County Executive candidates, Ken Jenkins (Westchester), Ed Day (Rockland) & Steve Neuhaus (Orange), won their elections.
- Capital Region 4: CSEA-endorsed candidate Michael Cashman defeated Brent Davison in the Special Election for Assembly District 115.
- Central Region 5: All of CSEA’s endorsed candidates for Onondaga County Legislature were successful.
- Western Region 6: CSEA-endorsed candidate Jeff McCann, who served as Deputy County Executive to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, won his election for Greece Town Supervisor.
Check out the results for all of CSEA’s endorsed candidates here.
2. Federal Shutdown Updates
Today marks the 38th day of the federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. Following Tuesday’s election results, President Donald Trump told Republicans that they are being “killed politically” by the shutdown. He also reiterated his call to eliminate the Senate filibuster as a way to reopen the government, an idea opposed by GOP leadership.
While funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expired on November 1, two federal judges have ordered the Trump aAdministration to use emergency funds to keep the program partially running. The shutdown’s impact continues to expand to additional areas of the federal government, with the administration announcing plans to cut 10% of air traffic controllers at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports, a move that could force airlines to cancel thousands of flights and cause major disruptions to holiday travel.
Meanwhile, Democrats continue to push for a funding package that extends Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to help keep health insurance affordable, and the latest election results have strengthened their position.
You can send a message to your member of Congress urging them to reopen the federal government here.
3. Elise Stefanik Announces Run
U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik has formally announced her campaign to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026. Stefanik has repeatedly aligned herself with policies that are hostile toward organized labor, including opposition to federal labor protections and efforts to weaken public employee pensions. She said she was “proud” to support the 2025 federal reconciliation bill, which will cost New York $15.4 billion annually and eliminate roughly 215,000 jobs statewide.
In a statement, CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said, “Congresswoman Stefanik’s anti-union record threatens the rights, wages and retirement security of CSEA members across New York. Our state deserves leadership that strengthens — not undermines – working people. Congresswoman Stefanik has had years to engage with CSEA and fight for our members in Washington – she’s done neither. For someone running for governor, her lack of engagement with workers who provide essential public services across New York is deeply concerning.”
4. Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a reminder of the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms and the commitment of those who answer the call to serve. On Tuesday, we pause to honor our nation’s veterans who have served our country with courage and dedication.
5. Take the Tier 6 Survey
CSEA has been fighting to reform Tier 6, securing big wins including reducing the vesting period from ten to five years; basing final average salary on highest three, rather than five, earning years; and excluding overtime pay from employee contribution calculations. In the upcoming legislative session, we’ll once again be fighting to make improvements to Tier 6, and we want to hear from you! If you are a Tier 6 member, take the survey here.
6. CSEA Legislative Toolkit
We’re encouraging members to get the word out about our legislative successes. Click the icons below for informational documents that you can print, share, and post on social media to spread the news. You can also check out our summary of the 2025-2026 New York State Budget.
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