Q: What were the actual votes for each of the candidates in the special election for New York’s 26th Congressional District seat where Democrat Kathy Hochul received a 47 percent plurality?

—Abigail Kamelhair, Roswell

A: Here is a breakdown of the votes cast in the May 24 election, according to figures from the New York State Board of Elections:

Kathy Hochul (Democratic candidate): 52,713

Jane Corwin (Republican candidate): 47,187

Jack Davis (Tea Party candidate): 10,029

Ian Murphy (Green Party candidate): 1,177

The candidates were seeking to fill the seat vacated by Republican Rep. Chris Lee, who resigned in February after shirtless photos surfaced online that he sent to a woman he met on Craigslist. Erie (N.Y.) County Clerk Hochul edged out Corwin, a Republican state assemblywoman, in race in the heavily conservative district.

Q: Is it true that the person who accused Michael Jackson of molesting his son committed suicide?

—S. Powell, Lawrenceville

A: Evan Chandler died in November 2009 in his New Jersey home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, multiple publications reported, citing local authorities. Chandler had accused Jackson of molesting his then 13-year-old son, Jordy, in 1993. The case was settled for about $20 million.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).

About the Author

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com