This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on New York's 12th congressional district. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Manhattan's Political Pulse

An in-depth analysis of the nation's most affluent and densely populated congressional district, its historical evolution, and its contemporary political landscape.

Explore NY-12 👇 View Elections 🗳️

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

A Distinctive Urban Enclave

New York's 12th congressional district represents a significant portion of New York City, specifically within the borough of Manhattan. As of 2023, this district is represented by Democrat Jerry Nadler, who assumed this role following a redistricting process and a primary victory over Carolyn Maloney in August 2022. The district encompasses prominent Manhattan neighborhoods, including the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side, and the entirety of Midtown Manhattan.

Key Statistical Indicators

The 12th congressional district stands out for several unique demographic and economic characteristics:

  • Population (2024): 752,016
  • Median Household Income: $153,117
  • Distribution: 100% urban, 0% rural

Notably, with a per capita income exceeding $75,000, it holds the distinction of having the highest per capita income among all congressional districts in the United States. It is also recognized as the smallest congressional district by area in the U.S.

Political Leanings

The district exhibits a strong Democratic inclination, reflected in its Cook Partisan Voting Index (PVI) rating of D+33. This makes it the most Democratic district in New York, underscoring a consistent pattern of support for Democratic candidates in both local and statewide elections.

Demographics

Manhattan Neighborhoods

The 12th district is exclusively situated within the borough of Manhattan, comprising a diverse array of iconic neighborhoods. These areas contribute to the district's vibrant cultural and economic landscape.

  • Carnegie Hill
  • Chelsea
  • Flatiron District
  • Gramercy Park
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • Hudson Yards
  • Kips Bay
  • Lenox Hill
  • Lincoln Square
  • Manhattan Valley
  • Midtown
  • Midtown South
  • Murray Hill
  • Roosevelt Island
  • Stuyvesant Town–Peter Cooper Village
  • Times Square
  • Turtle Bay
  • Union Square
  • Upper East Side
  • Upper West Side
  • Yorkville

Ethnic Composition

The district's population reflects a rich tapestry of ethnicities, contributing to its dynamic urban character. The primary ethnic groups, as reported, are:

  • White: 65.2%
  • Asian: 14.1%
  • Hispanic: 11.2%
  • Black: 4.7%
  • Two or more races: 3.9%
  • Other: 0.9%

This composition highlights the diverse communities that reside within this influential congressional district.

History

Evolution of Boundaries

The geographical scope of New York's 12th congressional district has undergone significant transformations since its establishment. From its early days encompassing rural counties to its modern iteration as a densely urban Manhattan district, its boundaries have shifted in response to population changes, legal decisions, and redistricting efforts.

  • 1803–1913: Initially comprised Dutchess and Columbia counties.
  • 1913–1945: Shifted to include parts of Manhattan.
  • 1945–1993: Encompassed parts of Brooklyn, notably becoming a majority African American district in Central Brooklyn (e.g., Bedford-Stuyvesant) following the 1966 Cooper v. Power Supreme Court decision.
  • 1993–2023: Redrawn to include parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, featuring Hispanic neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan and Queens. Specific areas included Maspeth, Ridgewood, Woodside (Queens); Bushwick, Greenpoint, Red Hook, East New York, Brooklyn Heights, Sunset Park, Williamsburg (Brooklyn); and parts of Manhattan's Lower East Side and East Village.
  • 2023–Present: Realigned to be entirely within Manhattan, covering the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and all of Midtown Manhattan.

Members

Representatives Through Time

The 12th congressional district has been served by a diverse group of representatives, each contributing to its legislative history. The following table provides a chronological overview of these individuals, their political affiliations, and their terms of service.

Representative Party Years Congress Electoral History
District established March 4, 1803
David Thomas Democratic-Republican March 4, 1803 – February 17, 1808 8th, 9th, 10th Redistricted from 7th district and re-elected in 1802. Re-elected in 1804. Re-elected in 1806. Resigned to become New York State Treasurer.
Vacant February 17, 1808 – November 7, 1808 10th
Nathan Wilson Democratic-Republican November 7, 1808 – March 3, 1809 10th Elected to finish Thomas's term. Retired.
Erastus Root Democratic-Republican March 4, 1809 – March 3, 1811 11th Elected in 1808.
Arunah Metcalf Democratic-Republican March 4, 1811 – March 3, 1813 12th Re-elected in 1810.
1813–1823: Two seats (elected at-large)
Zebulon R. Shipherd Federalist March 4, 1813 – March 3, 1815 13th Elected in 1812.
Elisha I. Winter Federalist March 4, 1813 – March 3, 1815 13th Elected in 1812.
Vacant March 4, 1815 – December 7, 1815 14th Member-elect Benjamin Pond died October 6, 1814.
John Savage Democratic-Republican March 4, 1815 – March 3, 1819 14th, 15th Elected in 1814.
Asa Adgate Democratic-Republican December 7, 1815 – March 3, 1817 14th Elected to finish Pond's term.
John Palmer Democratic-Republican March 4, 1817 – March 3, 1819 15th Elected in 1816.
Ezra C. Gross Democratic-Republican March 4, 1819 – March 3, 1821 16th Elected in 1818. Lost re-election.
Nathaniel Pitcher Democratic-Republican March 4, 1819 – March 3, 1823 16th, 17th Elected in 1818. Re-elected in 1821.
Vacant March 4, 1821 – December 3, 1821 17th Elections were held in April 1821.
Reuben H. Walworth Democratic-Republican December 3, 1821 – March 3, 1823 17th Elected in 1821.
1823–Present: One seat
Lewis Eaton Democratic-Republican March 4, 1823 – March 3, 1825 18th Elected in 1822.
William Dietz Jacksonian March 4, 1825 – March 3, 1827 19th Elected in 1824.
John I. De Graff Jacksonian March 4, 1827 – March 3, 1829 20th Elected in 1826.
Peter I. Borst Jacksonian March 4, 1829 – March 3, 1831 21st Elected in 1828.
Joseph Bouck Jacksonian March 4, 1831 – March 3, 1833 22nd Elected in 1830.
Henry C. Martindale Anti-Masonic March 4, 1833 – March 3, 1835 23rd Elected in 1832.
David Abel Russell Anti-Jacksonian March 4, 1835 – March 3, 1837 24th Elected in 1834. Re-elected in 1836. Re-elected in 1838.
David Abel Russell Whig March 4, 1837 – March 3, 1841 25th, 26th
Bernard Blair Whig March 4, 1841 – March 3, 1843 27th Elected in 1840.
David L. Seymour Democratic March 4, 1843 – March 3, 1845 28th Elected in 1842.
Richard P. Herrick Whig March 4, 1845 – June 20, 1846 29th Elected in 1844. Died.
Vacant June 20, 1846 – December 7, 1846 29th
Thomas C. Ripley Whig December 7, 1846 – March 3, 1847 29th Elected to finish Herrick's term.
Gideon Reynolds Whig March 4, 1847 – March 3, 1851 30th, 31st Elected in 1846. Re-elected in 1848.
David L. Seymour Democratic March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1853 32nd Elected in 1850.
Gilbert Dean Democratic March 4, 1853 – July 3, 1854 33rd Redistricted from 8th district and re-elected in 1852. Resigned to become justice to Supreme Court of New York.
Vacant July 3, 1854 – November 7, 1854 33rd
Isaac Teller Whig November 7, 1854 – March 3, 1855 33rd Elected to finish Dean's term.
Killian Miller Opposition March 4, 1855 – March 3, 1857 34th Elected in 1854.
John Thompson Republican March 4, 1857 – March 3, 1859 35th Elected in 1856.
Charles Lewis Beale Republican March 4, 1859 – March 3, 1861 36th Elected in 1858.
Stephen Baker Republican March 4, 1861 – March 3, 1863 37th Elected in 1860.
Homer A. Nelson Democratic March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1865 38th Elected in 1862.
John H. Ketcham Republican March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1873 39th, 40th, 41st, 42nd Re-elected in 1864. Re-elected in 1866. Re-elected in 1868. Re-elected in 1870.
Charles St. John Republican March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875 43rd Redistricted from 11th district and re-elected in 1872.
N. Holmes Odell Democratic March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1877 44th Elected in 1874.
Clarkson Nott Potter Democratic March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1879 45th Elected in 1876.
Vacant March 3, 1879 – November 3, 1879 46th Representative-elect Alexander Smith died November 5, 1878.
Waldo Hutchins Democratic November 4, 1879 – March 3, 1885 46th, 47th, 48th Elected to finish Smith's term. Re-elected in 1880. Re-elected in 1882. Retired.
Abraham Dowdney Democratic March 4, 1885 – December 10, 1886 49th Elected in 1884. Died.
Vacant December 10, 1886 – March 3, 1887 49th
William Bourke Cockran Democratic March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1889 50th Elected in 1886.
Roswell P. Flower Democratic March 4, 1889 – September 16, 1891 51st, 52nd Elected in 1888. Re-elected in 1890. Resigned to become Governor of New York.
Vacant September 16, 1891 – November 3, 1891 52nd
Joseph J. Little Democratic November 3, 1891 – March 3, 1893 52nd Elected to finish Flower's term.
William Bourke Cockran Democratic March 4, 1893 – March 3, 1895 53rd Redistricted from 10th district and re-elected in 1892.
George B. McClellan Jr. Democratic March 4, 1895 – December 21, 1903 54th, 55th, 56th, 57th, 58th Elected in 1894. Re-elected in 1896. Re-elected in 1898. Re-elected in 1900. Re-elected in 1902. Resigned to become Mayor of New York City.
Vacant December 21, 1903 – February 23, 1904 58th
William Bourke Cockran Democratic February 23, 1904 – March 3, 1909 58th, 59th, 60th Elected to finish McClellan's term. Re-elected in 1904. Re-elected in 1906.
Michael F. Conry Democratic March 4, 1909 – March 3, 1913 61st, 62nd Elected in 1908. Re-elected in 1910. Redistricted to 15th district.
Henry M. Goldfogle Democratic March 4, 1913 – March 3, 1915 63rd Redistricted from 9th district and re-elected in 1912.
Meyer London Socialist March 4, 1915 – March 3, 1919 64th, 65th Elected in 1914. Re-elected in 1916.
Henry M. Goldfogle Democratic March 4, 1919 – March 3, 1921 66th Elected in 1918.
Meyer London Socialist March 4, 1921 – March 3, 1923 67th Elected in 1920.
Samuel Dickstein Democratic March 4, 1923 – January 3, 1945 68th-78th Elected in 1922. Re-elected multiple times. Redistricted to 19th district.
John J. Rooney Democratic January 3, 1945 – January 3, 1953 79th-82nd Redistricted from 4th district and re-elected in 1944. Re-elected multiple times. Redistricted to 14th district.
Francis E. Dorn Republican January 3, 1953 – January 3, 1961 83rd-86th Elected in 1952. Re-elected multiple times.
Hugh Carey Democratic January 3, 1961 – January 3, 1963 87th Elected in 1960. Redistricted to 15th district.
Edna F. Kelly Democratic January 3, 1963 – January 3, 1969 88th, 89th, 90th Redistricted from 10th district and re-elected in 1962. Re-elected multiple times. Ran in 10th district and lost renomination.
Shirley Chisholm Democratic January 3, 1969 – January 3, 1983 91st-97th Elected in 1968. Re-elected multiple times. Retired.
Major Owens Democratic January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1993 98th-102nd Elected in 1982. Re-elected multiple times. Redistricted to 11th district.
Nydia Velázquez Democratic January 3, 1993 – January 3, 2013 103rd-112th Elected in 1992. Re-elected multiple times. Redistricted to 7th district.
Carolyn Maloney Democratic January 3, 2013 – January 3, 2023 113th-117th Redistricted from 14th district and re-elected in 2012. Re-elected multiple times. Lost re-nomination in 2022.
Jerry Nadler Democratic January 3, 2023 – Present 118th, 119th Redistricted from 10th district and re-elected in 2022. Re-elected in 2024. Retiring at the end of term.

Elections

Statewide Race Results

The 12th congressional district consistently demonstrates a strong preference for Democratic candidates in statewide elections. This trend is evident across various presidential, senatorial, and gubernatorial contests over the past two decades, reflecting the district's deep-seated political alignment.

Year Office Results
2008 President Obama 81% – 18%
2012 President Obama 78% – 22%
2016 President Clinton 83% – 13%
Senate Schumer 83% – 14%
2018 Senate Gillibrand 87% – 13%
Governor Cuomo 83% – 13%
Attorney General James 83% – 15%
2020 President Biden 85% – 14%
2022 Senate Schumer 83% – 16%
Governor Hochul 80% – 20%
Attorney General James 80% – 20%
Comptroller DiNapoli 81% – 19%
2024 President Harris 81% – 17%
Senate Gillibrand 82% – 18%

Recent House Election Results

The following tables detail the outcomes of recent U.S. House elections for New York's 12th congressional district, illustrating the voting patterns and candidate performances over time. These results include votes from various minor parties, which are common in New York's electoral landscape.

US House election, 1996: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Nydia Velazquez (incumbent) 61,913 84.6
Republican Miguel I. Prado 9,978 13.6
Socialist Workers Eleanor Garcia 1,283 1.8
Majority 51,935 71.0
Turnout 73,174 100

US House election, 1998: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Nydia Velazquez (incumbent) 53,269 83.6 −1.0
Republican Rosemary Markgraf 7,405 11.6 −2.0
Conservative Angel Diaz 1,632 2.6 +2.6
Liberal Hector Cortes, Jr. 1,400 2.2 +2.2
Majority 45,864 72.0 +1.0
Turnout 63,706 100 −12.9

US House election, 2000: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Nydia Velazquez (incumbent) 86,288 87.1 +3.5
Republican Rosemary Markgraf 10,052 10.1 −1.5
Socialist Paul Pederson 1,025 1.0 +1.0
Right to Life Mildred Rosario 865 0.9 +0.9
Conservative Cesar Estevez 850 0.9 −1.7
Majority 76,236 76.9 +4.9
Turnout 99,080 100 +55.5

US House election, 2002: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Nydia Velazquez (incumbent) 48,408 95.8 +8.7
Conservative Cesar Estevez 2,119 4.2 +3.3
Majority 46,289 91.6 +14.7
Turnout 50,527 100 −49.0

US House election, 2004: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Nydia Velazquez (incumbent) 107,796 86.3 −9.5
Republican Paul A. Rodriguez 17,166 13.7 +13.7
Majority 90,630 72.5 −19.1
Turnout 124,962 100 +147.3

US House election, 2006: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Nydia Velazquez (incumbent) 62,847 89.7 +3.4
Republican Allan E. Romaguera 7,182 10.3 −3.4
Majority 55,665 79.5 +7.0
Turnout 70,029 100 −44.0

US House election, 2008: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Nydia Velazquez (incumbent) 123,053 90.0 +0.3
Republican Allan E. Romaguera 13,748 10.0 −0.3
Majority 109,305 80.0 +0.5
Turnout 136,801 100 +95.3

US House election, 2010: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Nydia Velazquez (incumbent) 68,624 93.9 +3.9
Conservative Alice Gaffney 4,482 6.1 +6.1
Majority 64,142 87.7 +7.7
Turnout 73,106 100 −46.6

US House election, 2012: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Carolyn Maloney 193,455 72.1 −21.8
Republican Christopher Wight 46,692 17.4 +7.4
Majority 146,763 54.7 −33.0
Turnout 268,287 100 +366.9

US House election, 2014: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Carolyn Maloney (incumbent) 90,603 77.2 +5.1
Republican Nick Di Iorio 22,731 19.4 +2.0
Majority 67,872 57.8 +3.1
Turnout 117,420 100 −228.5

US House election, 2016: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Carolyn Maloney (incumbent) 244,358 83.2 +6.0
Republican Robert Ardini 49,398 16.8 −2.6
Majority 194,960 66.4 +8.6
Turnout 293,756 100 +250.2

2018 Democratic primary results

Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carolyn Maloney (incumbent) 26,742 59.6
Democratic Suraj Patel 18,098 40.4
Total votes 44,840 100.0

US House election, 2018: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Carolyn Maloney (incumbent) 217,430 86.4 +3.2
Republican Eliot Rabin 30,446 12.1 −4.7
Green Scott Hutchins 3,728 1.5 N/A
Majority 186,984 74.3 +12.1
Turnout 251,604 100 −16.8

2020 Democratic primary results

Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Carolyn Maloney (incumbent) 40,362 42.8
Democratic Suraj Patel 37,106 39.4
Democratic Lauren Ashcraft 12,810 13.6
Democratic Peter Harrison 4,001 4.2
Total votes 94,279 100.0

US House election, 2020: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Carolyn Maloney (incumbent) 265,172 82.0 −4.4
Republican Carlos Santiago-Cano 53,061 16.0 +3.9
Libertarian Steven Kolln 4,015 1.0 N/A
Majority 208,096 65.0 −9.3
Turnout 322,248 100 +28.1

2022 Democratic primary results

Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jerrold Nadler (incumbent) 45,545 55.4
Democratic Carolyn Maloney (incumbent) 20,038 24.4
Democratic Suraj Patel 15,744 19.2
Democratic Ashmi Sheth 832 1.0

US House election, 2022: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Jerry Nadler (incumbent) 200,890 81.8 N/A
Republican Michael Zumbluskas 44,173 18.0 N/A
Independent Mikhail Itkis 631 0.3 N/A
Majority 156,086 63.5 −1.5
Turnout 245,694 100 −4.2

US House election, 2024: New York District 12

Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Jerry Nadler (incumbent) 260,165 80.5 −1.3
Republican Michael Zumbluskas 61,989 19.5 +1.5
Majority 197,176 61 −2.5
Turnout 323,154 100

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "New York S 12th Congressional District" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about new_york_s_12th_congressional_district while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

croatian language
    
cd shop awards
    
battle of verdun
    
gravity of earth
    
skiing
    
jessie penn-lewis
    
grand valley state lakers football
    
1990 georgia bulldogs baseball team
    
shaozhou tuhua
    
spellbound 2024 film
    

References

References

  1.  Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States (Vol. V; page 182)
A full list of references for this article are available at the New York's 12th congressional district Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional political or civic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official government sources, electoral commissions, or engaging with qualified political analysts or legal professionals for specific inquiries. Always refer to authoritative sources for the most current and accurate information regarding congressional districts, elections, and political processes. Never disregard official information because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.