Because the New York congressional primary is far earlier than it has been in the past, the qualified minor parties of New York also faced a requirement this year that they make early choices for U.S. Senate in party meetings.

On March 11, the Independence Party chose Kirsten Gillibrand, who is the Democratic incumbent running for re-election. On March 17, the Green Party chose Colia Clark, who was also a U.S. Senate Green Party nominee in 2010 (there had been two U.S. Senate races in New York in 2010). On March 19, the Working Families Party chose Gillibrand. These meetings did not generate much publicity because the choice of nominee was not in suspense.

The Conservative Party meeting on March 19 did create news. The Conservative Party state committee unanimously chose Wendy Long, who is a legal scholar. She defeated two other candidates, both of whom hold public office. They are Congressman Bob Turner, and Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos. All three are also seeking the Republican nomination, and all three will be on the Republican primary ballot held June 26.

Long said she will run in November, even if she doesn’t get the Republican nomination. However, she is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. At the Republican State Committee meeting on March 16, she received 47% of the weighted ballots for the Republican endorsement, whereas Maragos received 27% and Turner received 25%. A candidate needed at least 25% to be on the Republican primary ballot automatically. Thanks to Ken Bush for this news.