Incumbent candidate for New York state comptroller Tom DiNapoli currently leads the Democratic primary race on Tuesday, June 23, and the Associated Press has projected him as the winner.
The nearly 20-year tenured DiNapoli defeated former affordable housing nonprofit leader Drew Warshaw and former Kansas legislator Raj Goyle, according to several news outlets. DiNapoli also released a statement declaring victory in part thanking voters, his campaign team and his friends and family.
“Tonight’s victory is a victory for every single working family in New York State, every public sector worker and first responder who relies on a secure pension, every student and senior who worries about the affordability crisis we’re facing,” DiNapoli’s statement reads.
“Our opponents tried over and over to derail our work with false attacks and reckless promises, but the people of New York once again have seen the value of steady, responsible leadership in these chaotic times,” he added. “Now the campaign is over and we need to get back to the hard work that we do protecting taxpayers and retirees, investing in New York’s future, pushing back against Trump’s extremism, and helping working families get by in Trump’s terrible economy.”
Here’s what to know.
Who is Tom DiNapoli?
DiNapoli has held the position since 2007 after first being selected for the role after the state’s previous comptroller, Alan Hevesi, pleaded guilty to defrauding the state and resigned. He has beaten Republican opponents four times since then. Most recently, he was re-elected by more than 14 points in 2022.
Since becoming the state’s comptroller, DiNapoli has grown the state’s pension fund, recovered millions for taxpayers and audited every school district in the state on a rotating basis, according to his campaign website.
Born and raised on Long Island, DiNapoli currently resides in Nassau County and received his higher education from two New York universities — Hofstra and The New School. He represented the state’s 16th Assembly District from 1986 until he became comptroller and was a long-time member of the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee.
Who will DiNapoli face in November?
Joseph Hernandez is the sole Republican candidate challenging DiNapoli in this year’s state comptroller race. Hernandez, who came to the U.S. at 7 years old as a Cuban refugee, currently serves as the founder and senior managing partner of private investment firm Blue Water Venture Partners LLC.
He’s previously held roles at several health care-related companies, including Merck & Co., and has degrees in neuroscience, molecular genetics and microbiology, finance and entrepreneurship, chronic disease epidemiology and biostatistics and public health.
If elected, Hernandez says he will protect taxpayers by strengthening the state’s pension fund, holding state government accountable through auditing state agencies and public authorities, and investing in New York, according to his campaign website.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers’ taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: DiNapoli declares victory in NY comptroller Democratic primary race
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York State Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Emily Barnes, New York State Team | USA TODAY Network
