And the winners in yesterday’s primary are …

Turnout for the rare Thursday primary on Sept. 13 was not as low as some had feared, based on accounts from poll workers and preliminary results.

But there were still no big surprises in local races.

State Sen. Adriano Espaillat held onto his seat, freshman state Sen. Gustavo Rivera can finally shed that freshman title, County-backed Eddie McShan got the nod for Second District Civil Court judge and newcomer Gabriela Rosa won a close race in Assembly District 72, which includes Marble Hill.

Though these are only the winners of the Democratic primary and everyone, except Mr. McShan, will face a GOP challenge in November, all the Democratic primary winners are expected to win in the general election.

Senate District 31

Mr. Espaillat defeated Assemblyman Guillermo Linares in the Democratic Primary for Senate District 31, which includes Marble Hill, Inwood and Washington Heights.

After suffering a defeat to Rep. Charles Rangel in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 13 in June, Mr. Espaillat trounced challenger Mr. Linares, 10,623 to 6,562 votes in the state senate race, according to preliminary results. 

Assembly District 72

There will be no Linareses in Albany next year, as Assemblyman Guillermo Linares’

daughter, Mayra Linares, lost a close race to Gabriela Rosa for Assembly District 72, which includes Marble Hill.

Ms. Rosa won 2,946 to Ms. Lineres’ 2,305 votes,

Primary Day was a sweep for the Espaillat camp. Mr. Espaillat, who won his own race, also backed Ms. Rosa against his opponent’s daughter.

Senate District 33

In Senate District 33, which includes approximately half of Kingsbridge and much of Kingsbridge Heights, freshman state Sen. Gustavo Rivera had no trouble holding onto his seat. In a low turnout race Mr. Rivera beat challenger Manny Tavarez  with 4,364 to 1,872 votes.

In the only race on the ballot for all Riverdalians and most Kingsbridge residents, Eddie McShan handily defeated Juana Valentin, 8,828 to 5,869 votes, according to preliminary results.

Second District Civil Court