I live in Western New York and the suburbs around cities is predominately Republican or Conservative. Just because the cities are controlled by the Democrats doesn't mean we like it. In some districts, there are not enough Republican's to control the elections.
During the Governor race (Cuomo) I noticed quite a few thugs hanging around my polling place. Never noticed that happening in the past.
Actually the Long Island suburbs haven’t voted Republican in a presidential election since 1988, and even Staten Island voted for Obama this time. Even upstate votes overwhelmingly for Schumer, as you know.