By Ashley M. Casey
Assemblyman Al Stirpe has been re-elected to his seat in the 128th District. The Democratic incumbent received 57.8 percent of ballots cast, or 31,856 votes. Republican challenger Nick Paro received 42.15 percent, or 23,229 votes.
“I am again honored to receive the support of the people of the 127th District. I’m hopeful the results reflect all we have accomplished in the past two years, from passing important legislation that benefits local schools and agriculture, to all we’ve done to attract new jobs and connect workers to these jobs. And I look forward to continuing our work in the term ahead,” Stirpe said in a statement, adding, “A special thanks to the volunteers, supporters, friends and family who helped with this year’s campaign.”
The assembly race was Paro’s first run for office. He told the Star-Review he would like to see Stirpe focus on ethics reform and term limits in the next legislative session.
“The results are disappointing. [It’s] unfortunate but I congratulate my opponent, Al Stirpe, and wish him the best of luck the next two years,” Paro said. “As for what is next, I plan on spending some time with my fiancée, family and friends and enjoying the holidays.”
According to the Onondaga County Board of Elections, voters turned out in record levels. Nearly 65 percent of registered voters cast ballots last Tuesday, compared to roughly 50 percent in 2014 and 52 percent in 2010. The board of elections is still counting absentee and affidavit ballots, and officials are hoping to have final numbers before Thanksgiving.
Read on to see the results of local races and what is next for the candidates.
24th Congressional District
Unlike many of his GOP colleagues across the country, Katko weathered the blue wave, defeating Democratic challenger Dana Balter with 53.1 percent of the vote (129,276 votes). Balter received 114,102 votes, or 46.9 percent of ballots cast.
“Honored and humbled to be re-elected to serve CNY for a third term in Congress,” Katko wrote on Facebook. “Thank you to our incredible supporters and volunteers. We could not have done this without you!
While Balter edged out Katko by about a percent in Onondaga County, it was not enough to carry her to victory for the district, which comprises Cayuga, Onondaga and Wayne counties as well as the western portion of Oswego County.
On the national stage, Democrats earned 222 congressional seats to the Republicans’ 196, and 30 districts swung from red to blue. Republicans retain control of the U.S. Senate, but Democrats now control the House of Representatives.
“I am so proud to be part of the movement all across this country of regular people stepping up to say, ‘We are better than this,’” Balter said in a statement. “I am especially proud to be among the record number of women running for office this year. And even though we didn’t get the result we wanted tonight, I am so proud of what we have done.”
Other races
Other local races shook out as follows:
• Onondaga County Sheriff: Republican incumbent Gene Conway received 91,074 votes (56 percent), defeating Democratic challenger Mike Montes, who received 71,478 votes (44 percent).
• State Supreme Court: The winners were Scott DelConte (a Democrat) and Republicans Gerry Neri, James Murphy and Donald Greenwood.
