Voters 50+ Could Decide the Primary Outcome in NY-12

A large undecided vote means candidates still have time to win support 

Voters 50 and older are likely to play a decisive role in New York’s 12th Congressional District Democratic primary, with 1 in 5 still undecided. While Micah Lasher leads with 32% support, followed by Alex Bores (21%), George Conway (13%), and Jack Schlossberg (9%), the large undecided vote (21%) leaves the race fluid as candidates compete for support among one of the state’s most reliable voting blocs.  

Candidates who address affordability and retirement security are best positioned to win 50-plus voters 

Economic concerns are central to how these voters are making decisions. Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) say the cost of living in New York City is a serious problem, and 83% say housing affordability is a serious problem. Groceries (51%), housing (48%), and health insurance (46%) rank as the top affordability pressures facing voters 50 and older. 

While economic concerns are central, when asked to name the single most important issue, nearly half of voters (49%) cite threats to democracy, outpacing all other issues by a large margin. 

At the same time, retirement security remains a defining issue. Seventy-three percent say ensuring Social Security remains fully funded should be a priority for the next member of Congress. Large majorities rate health care costs (79%), Social Security (77%), and Medicare (74%) as very important factors in their voting decisions. Support for protecting earned benefits is especially strong, with 92% of voters saying they would be more likely to support a candidate who advocates ensuring full Social Security benefits.  

Voters are also considering longer-term issues as they evaluate candidates, including supporting family caregivers, helping older adults remain in their homes as they age, and lowering prescription drug costs. These concerns extend to future planning, as only about half of voters (52%) say they can afford to retire in New York City, with many expecting they may need to relocate. 

Taken together, the findings show an electorate balancing immediate financial pressures with longer-term concerns about economic security and independence. Candidates who address both will be best positioned to earn the support of this critical voting bloc and influence the outcome of the primary. 

Methodology 

This AARP New York poll was conducted by the Siena College Research Institute from May 27 through June 1, 2026, among 416 likely Democratic primary voters age 50 and older in New York’s 12th Congressional District.

For more information, please contact Kate Bridges at kbridges@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.