New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand is fighting to keep her seat in the U.S. Senate, facing a challenge from Republican Mike Sapraicone.


What You Need To Know

  • According to a new poll by Siena College, Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand has 57% while Republican Mike Sapraicone has 31% among likely New York voters

  • Despite being a 15-year incumbent, the poll found three in 10 voters continue to not know or have an opinion of Gillibrand

  • Spectrum News will host a live debate on Wednesday between the candidates

While Sapraicone is a newcomer to politics, he’s been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Gillibrand is currently leading the race. According to a new poll by Siena College, Gillibrand has 57% while Sapraicone has 31% among likely New York voters.

Despite being a 15 year incumbent, the poll found three in 10 voters continue to not know or have an opinion of Gillibrand.

In the Senate, she has worked on a wide range of issues, from introducing e-bike safety legislation to advocating for expanded access to affordable childcare.

For two decades, Sapraicone worked his way up in the NYPD, becoming a first grade detective. He then found Squad Security, Inc., a corporate security and investigation firm.

“I had a great career, I had a great business. I’m doing because I want to give more, and I think I bring something to the table,” Sapraicone explained in an interview with NY1.

On the national issue of abortion, Gillibrand wants to see Roe v. Wade abortion protection codified into federal law.

Calling himself pro-life, Sapraicone told NY1 he believes abortion access should be decided on a state-by-state basis.

Gillibrand and Sapraicone will meet on the Spectrum News debate stage for their only debate Wednesday at 7 p.m.