Republican challenger won’t push for 127th seat

By Sarah Hall

Editor

Cicero Town Councilor Michael Becallo announced last week that he is suspending his campaign for the 127th Assembly District seat.

Becallo, a Republican, ran a primary campaign against fellow Republican Vince Giordano, who sits on the Manlius Town Board. Giordano is the candidate selected by the Onondaga County Republican Party to take on incumbent Al Stirpe (D-Cicero). Giordano was declared the victor in the primary by a margin of 913 to 864 after absentee votes were counted.

Becallo said he opted to suspend his campaign because the ultimate goal is to defeat Stirpe in November.

“The goal is to beat Al Stirpe,” he said. “We’re here to win. I support that message and I support that goal.”

He said he is confident his political career is far from over, pointing to the small vote gap between himself and Giordano.

“I know I’ve got a bright future,” he said. “A lot of people came out and voted for me. I had a great team of people that came forward and helped me. I know my future is bright.”

However, Becallo said he alone was unable to withstand the challenge.

“The Republican Party is bigger than me,” he said. “They’re bigger than my campaign.”

He said he was not pressured by the party to end his campaign.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “The goal is to get Stirpe out of office. It’s time to rally behind the party so that we can best accomplish that goal.”

Becallo’s name will still appear on the ballot as the Conservative Party candidate.