Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton solidified their leads in their respective primary elections after big wins in New York with 60 and 58 percent of the vote. The results from the primary on Tuesday, April 19, are not only important for the Democratic Party, whose support comes largely from the surrounding area, but also for the Republican candidates.

For both Democratic presidential hopefuls Clinton and Bernie Sanders, the eastern state’s primary was a long-awaited event, as they are both from the area. Clinton’s previous position as New York Senator, along with results from her run for election in 2008 against Barack Obama, reveal her strong support in the state.

However, the Vermont Senator was trailing not too far behind in popular votes according to polls, making the outcome of the primary important for strengthening his win of delegates and seizing an assured nomination from Clinton.

“Because Sanders is from New York, I am hoping that he can win some delegates and catch up to Clinton,” junior Claire Holston said.

The primary outcomes are additionally important for Trump and the trailing candidates Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Ohio Governor John Kasich. Known for his business enterprise and success in New York, Trump expected his big win in New York. After recent negativity swarming him in the past few weeks, a victorious outcome for Trump was a necessity to lock out Cruz and Kasich from winning further delegates.

“A Trump victory was anticipated in New York, but he still has more ground to gain before he can claim the Republican nomination,” social studies teacher Scott Magnuson said.

With more eastern primaries approaching in the next few months, along with the California’s delegate-rich primary in June, the New York outcomes are acting as a pivotal point in the election process for both political parties.

“Tonight’s results will be more significant for the Democrats,” Magnuson said. “A Clinton victory (which seems certain at this point) assures her a certain path to the Democratic nomination.”