Thousands of people across New York have already cast their ballots this election season. Thousands more will voice their choice on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Here's a look at the races to watch in Western New York.

 

U.S. House District 23

Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy is wrapping up his freshman term in New York's 23rd Congressional District. He will take on a challenge from Democrat Tom Carle in this race.

Langworthy previously served as the head of the state Republican Party and the Erie County Republican Committee. He cut his teeth as a congressional staffer for former Rep. Tom Reynolds.

Carle said he has a diverse professional background that includes management positions in food and beverage manufacturing and human resources, as well as owning a bar. He said his jobs have taken him all over the district and country.

Originally from Broome County, Carle now lives in Fredonia with his wife and young family. He said women's reproductive rights is one of the most important issues on the ballot this year and one that is important to him personally too.

Langworthy believes his opponent and Democrats in general are focusing on abortion to distract from the real issues, including an affordability crisis.

 

U.S. House District 24

Republican incumbent Claudia Tenney is being challenged by Democrat David Wagenhauser in the 24th Congressional District race. Both candidates say they’re eager to work with both sides of the aisle.

Tenney touts her three terms in Congress and says if re-elected, her focus would be on small business, particularly family farms.

Wagenhauser calls himself a moderate Democrat who believes in working with the people. He’s looking to bring money to the 24th District by promoting more educational and career opportunities.

Both candidates have different plans to preserve Social Security, monitor the northern border and save on Medicare.

 

U.S. House District 26 

Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy will take on Republican candidate Anthony Marecki in the race for New York's 26th Congressional District

Kennedy won a special election to fill the seat in late April. He's once again running as a favorite in the heavily blue district with Marecki not actively campaigning.

Kennedy said he's focusing on local issues like health care, veterans affairs and the northern border but also on national issues.

 

Erie County District Attorney 

The seat for Erie County district attorney is on the ballot for the county’s voters. Current DA and Democrat Mike Keane is challenged by Republican James Gardner.

Keane had been the first deputy DA since 2017 until he took over after former DA John Flynn resigned to go into private law practice in March of this year.

Gardner brings 14 years of experience as an Erie County prosecutor and current law clerk. His platform includes putting criminals behind bars, supporting law enforcement and upholding the U.S. and New York Constitutions.

Keane brings his current experience as DA and takes the lead on cases as big as the Buffalo mass shooting. He said his office is already making communities safer, citing a decline in vehicle thefts this year compared to years past.

 

Erie County Prop 1

Voters in Erie County have the chance to weigh in on how the government votes to extend the 8.75% sales tax.

Erie County Proposition 1 would allow the Democrat-controlled legislature to extend the tax without a supermajority. 

A “yes” vote removes the supermajority requirement and amends the county charter to allow for a two-thirds majority vote. A “no” vote retains the supermajority requirement.

The proposition is backed by the Democratic half of the legislature. Republicans said removing the supermajority vote would take the people out of the process.