Editor’s note: This story is part of CNY Decides, a collaboration between Central Current and WAER Syracuse Public Media to demystify the political process and bring you the stories and information you’ll remember in the voting booth in 2026. Click here to read, watch and listen to other installments in the collaboration.
While 2026 primary voting has finished, the primary race for the New York State Assembly’s 129th District has not. The race was the most hotly contested during the cycle, featuring Syracuse’s most entrenched incumbent William Magnarelli and relative newcomer Maurice “Mo” Brown.
Central Current editor Chris Libonati, contributor Eddie Velazquez, WAER reporter Scott Willis and news anchor Bob Beck discuss where things stand in the race, several other primaries and major takeaways so far.
The vote tally in the race for the 129th District is likely to be set on Tuesday, when absentee and affidavit votes are counted. However, if the margin in the race drops below .5%, the race will head to a recount.
Brown currently leads the race by a margin of 82 votes, according to the Onondaga County Board of Elections’ unofficial tally. Just over 200 ballots are left to be counted in the race.
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