Primary Day underway in New York state

Tuesday, June 27, is Primary Day in New York state.

One race we’re following here in the Capital Region is for Schenectady mayor.

Incumbent Gary McCarthy survived a challenge from City Council President Marion Porterfield.

GOP Schenectady mayoral candidate Matt Nelligan released a statement after Mayor Gary McCarthy’s primary win.

The statement says, “In tonight’s Democratic Primary we saw the power special interests can have in our local elections. Make no mistake, Gary McCarthy’s win was more about his support of big donors than his support for the people of Schenectady,” Nelligan said. “As an entrenched incumbent with the help of a compliant press and a timid opponent, Mayor McCarthy was able to spend his way to victory. But the real election starts tomorrow. McCarthy’s failures have gone unchallenged long enough. I won’t back down. The people of Schenectady deserve better. The city is on the wrong track and change is badly needed. I’ll work to rebuild and revitalize our neighborhoods, improve our schools and defeat the crime that is rampant on our streets. That’s what I’m offering and why I’ll win in November.”  

Polls were open until 9 p.m.