Lawmakers turn to legislative races; some face competitive primaries

New York legislators — who have yet to finalize a state budget — are also gearing up for reelection bids this year. There are a handful of competitive primary races for open seats spurred by a mix of retirements and bids for higher office.

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“The challenge for anyone running this year is how do you break through the noise? And it can’t just be with an onslaught of money; it’s got to be the message,” said political consultant and former Democratic state Sen. David Carlucci.

“The candidates today know they have to be different,” he added.