CYNTHIA NIXON LOST to Governor Andrew Cuomo in the New York Democratic primary this week.

AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

The loss wasn’t unexpected – Cuomo outspent his rival by more than 8 to 1 and consistently led in polls. Forty five minutes after the polls closed, Nixon was declared the loser.

Following the announcement, Nixon said in her concession speech that she was not “discouraged” but “inspired”, and hoped the people of New York would be too.

Thank you all for believing and fighting and leaving it all on the field.

We started something here in New York, and it doesn’t end today.This is just the beginning. And I know that together, we will win this fight.— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon)

September 14, 2018

Throughout the campaign, Nixon faced many challenges. During the only debate of the campaign, Cuomo accused her of “doing favours for her friends”, regarding an email she forwarded from Sarah Jessica Parker when her local tea shop was in danger of losing its lease. The move seemed to be an attempt at flipping accusations of corruption and elitism back on to her. 

Cuomo accuses Nixon of being a corporate shill because she apparently forwarded an email from Sarah Jessica Parker regarding an NYC teahouse business complaint on to Cuomo’s office. This accusation is really weird, tho. #NYGovDebate pic.twitter.com/HhgCETuEFl

— Amee KavaNOPE Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule)

August 29, 2018

He repeatedly made unsubtle digs at her political credentials, given her background in acting, once accusing her of peddling “fiction, not facts”, and accused her of conceding her tax records, (she hasn’t, just FYI.)

Nixon’s camp also believed Cuomo tried to ice her out during the debate – a sexist move, by all accounts. (It’s been widely reported that Cuomo likes it cold, keeping temperatures so low for his big appearances that attendees and reporters are forced to wear layers.)

At the time, Nixon told Refinery29: “The way this debate was handled is just one example of the uneven playing field facing women candidates this election cycle.

So many women running for the first time against establishment candidates are told that they should feel grateful that their challenger is even acknowledging them.

That’s not how our democracy is supposed to work — incumbents aren’t entitled to reelection, and women shouldn’t have to jump through ridiculous hoops to show they have a right to run for office.

But, I’ll debate the governor in a parka if I have to because the people of New York deserve a debate, and insurgent, female candidates have a right to make their voices heard.”

Despite Cuomo’s attempts to undermine, Nixon always demonstrated her good grasp on policy. She ran on a progressive platform, taking stances on legalising marijuana and racial disparity and single-payer healthcare.

She rejected critics who dismissed her as “another celebrity running for office” – the same people who probably thought it was gas when Arnold Schwarzenegger and – God forbid – Donald Trump made the leap, and didn’t see fit to question their qualifications?

She recognised the importance of her running as an LGBTQ+ woman, and spoke inclusively throughout.

To all the young people. To all the young women. To all the young queer people who reject the gender binary. Soon you’ll be standing here, and when it’s your turn, you’ll win.

— Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon)

September 14, 2018

“Women have to lead and speak up,” she told People Magazine upon her announcement to run.

I just think we need to have more people of color and women and LGBT people not just represented — but leading. If we want to fix our world, they know what’s wrong with it because they’ve been on the short end of the stick.”

It’s a loss in the literal sense for Nixon, but it’s been a series of little victories in others.

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