It was a neck-and-neck race in Throggs Neck, but it appears Democrats have gained back a City Council seat in that Bronx district.
The contest was one of a handful of competitive races in New York’s most politically mixed neighborhoods. Two first-time Democratic candidates won City Council seats in central Queens and southern Brooklyn while one of the City Council’s most conservative incumbents held her seat in northeast Queens.
In total, Republicans will hold 5 seats in the Council next year, with Democrats occupying the remaining 46 seats in the 51-member city legislature.
Here are the results for the four Council races THE CITY has been watching this year, and the tally for the rest of the contests in the chart below:
District 13, The Bronx: Shirley Aldebol Wins
It appears that Republican incumbent Kristy Marmorato has lost in District 13, which, before her, had been held by a Democrat in the Council for decades. In Tuesday’s results, she was neck and neck with Democratic challenger Shirley Aldebol, who out-fundraised Marmorato by more than $169,000, including public matching funds.
With 97% of precincts reporting, Aldebol had nearly 52% of the vote to Marmorato’s 46%. About 1,800 votes separated the two candidates out of more than 33,500 votes cast.
Marmorato is one of just a handful of Republicans in the City Council, and in 2023 she was the first female Republican to be ever elected in The Bronx. During her first term she focused on public safety, education, and quality of life issues — advocating in opposition to the Just Home supportive housing project at Jacobi Medical Center and Bally’s casino proposal at Ferry Point Park. However, both projects moved forward with the Council’s support.
Aldebol, a longtime labor advocate, was attempting to flip the only Republican-held elected office in the borough. Ahead of the general election, Aldebol won the support of influential labor unions such as the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, 1199 SEIU, NYSNA, DC37 AFSCME and 32BJ SEIU. Aldebol has aligned herself with the issues of the national Democratic party such as opposing immigration enforcement, funding social services and improving access to health care.
District 19, Queens: Vickie Paladino Wins
The conservative councilmember and minority whip Vickie Paladino held onto her seat in the contest against 33-year old Ben Chou, winning by about 58% to 42% with a majority of precincts reporting.
Shortly after initial election results were announced, Paladino posted on X, “We won!” She also reposted a post from an internet personality saying, “I’m disappointed [Zohran] Mamdani was elected, but I do take solace in the fact that he won’t do anything to make life better for the people who voted for him.”
Chou, the Democratic challenger and a New York City firefighter, raised slightly more money than Paladino did with public matching funds. However, the extra $66,782 was not enough to beat Paladino, who, outside of her district, is most commonly known for igniting controversy on social media with divisive rhetoric on social issues. During her first term, Paladino sought to increase funding for the police department and schools, and to close migrant shelters. She also suggested New Yorkers vandalize congestion pricing camera sensors and has recently called for the deportation of Mamdani, who was elected as mayor Tuesday.
Late Tuesday night Chou posted to Facebook: “Unlike many others in my position, I’m fortunate to continue serving the public — tomorrow, I put my uniform back on and return to the firehouse. My commitment to integrity, hard work, and this community remains as strong as ever.
Thank you to all the supporters, volunteers, and mentors who helped build this incredible movement. Together, we accomplished more than anyone thought possible.”
District 30, Queens: Phil Wong Wins
Democrat Phil Wong won the open District 30 seat, succeeding his boss, term-limited councilmember Bob Holden. Wong, Holden’s constituent services and budget director, defeated another former one of Holden’s staffers, Alicia Vaichunas. Vaichunas, the Republican candidate, was Holden’s deputy chief of staff.
Wong won just under 54% to Vaichunas’ 44% according to a majority of precincts reporting results Tuesday night.
According to City & State, in her concession speech, Vaichunas warned voters about Wong. “Just like they’re going to regret voting Mamdani in, everybody’s going to regret it.”
That was a markedly different tone from Vaichunas than during the campaign. Leading up to the election, both candidates pledged to hire the other, no matter who wins, according to City & State. Bob Holden, a moderate Democrat who got along well with Republicans, and has run on both party lines, encouraged both of his staffers to run.
On Tuesday night Phil Wong shared photos of himself on social media with Bob Holden, with the caption, “Eight years ago I congratulated my future boss on his City Council win and tonight he congratulated me on mine.”
Wong also won the money race, raising almost $200,000 more in private and public matching funds than Vaichunas.
District 47, Brooklyn: Kayla Santosuosso Wins
Democrat Kayla Santosuosso, chief counsel to term-limited Councilmember Justin Brannan, was victorious in the race against Republican George Sarantopoulos, beating him 59% to 40% according to Tuesday’s results.
“Thank you, southern Brooklyn! I am honored to be your next Council Member,” Santosuosso posted to Instagram Tuesday night.
This marks a shift in voters’ attitudes, as the district came out strongly for Trump in the 2024 election. The two were very close in fundraising, with Santosuosso raising $464,639 and Sarantopoulos raising $475,622 in private and public matching funds.
