News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Vote 2026: Westchester elections
Sunny
48°
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Vote 2026: Westchester elections

Jobs, affordability and Indian Point emerge as defining issues in 40th District race

One of the sharpest differences between the candidates is the future of Indian Point.

News 12 Staff

•

Nov 3, 2026, 5:55 AM

•

Updated

Share:

More Stories

The future of Indian Point, taxes, jobs, energy and reproductive rights are among the key issues dividing the candidates for New York’s 40th state Senate District, which covers parts of northern Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties.

Democratic state Sen. Pete Harckham is seeking a fifth term and is campaigning on fighting climate change, finding cleaner and more affordable energy solutions and protecting reproductive freedoms statewide.

“We take the job very seriously and it's not just about the big headline issues. It's the thousands of constituent cases that we handle every year,” Harckham said.

Republican challenger Sergio Esposito, a Yorktown town councilman and deputy town supervisor, is focusing on bringing good-paying jobs back to the district, lowering taxes and increasing government transparency.

“If you want to have, you know, real solutions for real people and that's what I'm offering. I'm offering a practical, pragmatic, down-to-earth, solutions-based approach,” Esposito said.

One of the sharpest differences between the candidates is the future of Indian Point. Harckham strongly opposes reopening the defunct nuclear power plant, while Esposito is pushing to reopen it.

More From News12

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices