By Ashley M. Casey and Hayleigh Gowans
Staff Writers
Incumbent Democrat Al Stirpe took the lead over his Republican opponent Vince Giordano to remain the New York State Assemblyman in the 127th District.
From a total of 64,898 ballots cast, 33,991 went to Stirpe, and 22,952 to Giordano. Conservative Party candidate Michael Becallo received 3,776 votes.
Stirpe was absent from the Onondaga County Democratic Committee’s election night gathering at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, formerly the Hotel Syracuse. According to Stirpe spokesperson Cort Ruddy, Stirpe was “watching the results with family.” Ruddy provided Eagle Newspapers with a statement from the assemblyman.
“I am grateful to Central New York voters for placing their trust in me. Over the course of this campaign, I have focused on the important issues facing our families,” Stirpe said. “I want to thank my opponent for running a positive campaign, and I look forward to continue fighting to make Central New York stronger.”
The 127th state assembly district covers the towns of Cicero, Clay, Manlius, Pompey and Tully. Stirpe was first elected as assemblyman in the 121st district in 2006, winning reelection in 2008. After a redistricting, he ran for the 127th district in 2010 but lost a close race to Republican Donald Miller. Stirpe ran for the 127th district office again in 2012 and 2014, winning both times.
His professional experience includes being the founder of Qube Software and as the founder of CID Technologies.
Stirpe currently serves as the assistant majority whip, and has served on the following committees in 2015: Agriculture; Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry; Higher Education; and Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development.
Giordano, a current Manlius town councilor, ran against Stirpe on a platform focused on increasing business and industry in the area, reducing the state and local tax burden and safeguarding the Second Amendment. Giordano is the owner of Sno Top in Manlius and previously worked for Carrier Corporation.
“It was a hard race and we were going against the incumbent. I think the party was split because of the primary,” said Giordano. “Congratulations to Al on his victory.”
The New York State Assembly 127th District seat carries a term of two years.
