NEW YORK, NY September 10, 2008 —Returns are in from yesterday's primary elections, and several Democratic incumbents fended off challenges for their party's nomination.

Thirteen-term Brooklyn Congressman Edolphus Towns trounced activist Kevin Powell.

Also in Brooklyn, Senator Kevin Parker more narrowly won his race against two term-limited city councilmen who ran for his seat: Simcha Felder and Kendall Stewart.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver convincingly faced down two primary challengers, Paul Newell and Luke Henry.

And In Northern Manhattan, Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat just barely fended off a challenge from his onetime political protégé, City Councilman Miguel Martinez.

But other Democratic incumbents are out:

In a close race, 30-year veteran Senator Martin Conner lost his party's nomination to newcomer Daniel Squadron, who was backed by Senator Schumer and Mayor Bloomberg.

In the Bronx, Pedro Espada Jr. defeated incumbent Senator Efrain Gonzales Jr.

In Queens, Assemblywoman Ellen Young lost to Grace Meng, the daughter of Ms. Young’s predecessor in the seat, Jimmy Meng.

Finally, Republican Robert Straniere and Democrat Michael McMahon have won their parties' nominations to face each other in the race for the Staten Island Congressional seat being vacated by Vito Fossella.