Democrats this election cycle hope to make in-roads in traditionally Republican state Senate districts as they seek to take over the chamber this year. Republicans say no so fast.

“Really the Senate Republicans are the last line of defense especially for upstate taxpayers, so it's very important that the Republicans maintain the majority,” said Senate Candidate Daphne Jordan.

Daphne Jordan is running for the seat in the Capital Region being vacated by retiring Republican Kathy Marchione. Her campaign is built around keeping spending low and cutting taxes. 

“I'm running because I have the same concerns of the people whose doors I'm going to,” said Jordan.

Republicans attacking Democratic candidates for ties to New York City is nothing new. This year, Republicans are adding another concern: Several likely winners from New York City also identify as democratic socialists.

“Many of those socialist type Democrats that won have very expensive programs for the state,” said Jordan. “So if we're looking at afforability. They just don't match up.

But Jordan's Democratic opponent Aaron Gladd, agrees that upstate needs a greater voice in the Capitol.

“We need an upstate fighter,” said Gladd. “We need someone who is willing to stand up for upstate.”

Gladd points out Republicans in the Senate are led by a Long Islander, John Flanagan of Suffolk County.

“It's not just New York City Democrats,” said Gladd. “It's Long Island Republicans. That's why we need upstate, independent fighters.”

Gladd is supportive of measures Republicans have made political issues out of in the past: he backs the DREAM Act for undocumented immigrants. He is also supportive of single-payer health care.

“Everybody should have health care,” said Gladd. “It is a basic human right. We shouldn't have politicians with the best health care in the world while everyone is suffering and fighting for themselves.”

Elsewhere in the state, labor unions are also pushing to elect Democrats in key swing districts, including races in the Hudson Valley and in Syracuse.