The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Local senate candidates comment on races
CENTRAL NEWYORK » Though absentee ballot counts are still ongoing, the completed unofficial election night results for Madison and Oneida County senate races are in. The results are provided by the NYS Board of Elections.
The race for Senator of NY’S 53rd district is tight between Democratic incumbent Rachel May ( 46,794 votes) and Republican opponent Sam Rodgers ( 46,658 votes). Libertarian Russell S. Penner finished out the night with 1% of the vote.
May commented via Facebook, “After early voting and Election Day returns, and given the heavily Democratic trend in absentee ballots, I am confident of remaining ahead in my race. I look forward to the absentee process beginning next week.”
Rodgers says it’s still too close to call.
“The outpouring of support from both sides of the political aisle district- wide has shown that this race is far from over. With a strong showing in early and in- person voting, we are looking forward to absentee voters’ voices being heard.”
According to Ryan Frantzis, Rodgers’ campaign manager, well over 20,000 absentee ballots were sent out across the district. The campaign says they expect to see an influx of votes for Rodgers given that there has been strong support across party lines.
“I am thankful to all of the voters in this district,” Rodgers concluded. “Whether you voted for me or against me, this election was hard fought, and I am confident that we will continue to defend Central New York together.”
Penner shared the following statement:
“I’ve enjoyed being part of the process in this campaign. I set out to be a voice for freedom, and I believe I accomplished that. I knew numbers would be low without an established base — but I know that base is growing, and I want to encourage those of you that stand for freedom to keep up the work. The state controls everything from our schools to our bowling alleys as it stands now, and our freedoms aren’t coming back without free citizens taking a stand. Get involved with our party locally and keep making a difference!”
“To the winner ( still unknown as I write this), congratulations, and keep standing for our people!”
NY’S current Senator for the 47th district, Joseph Griffo, ran to hold his seat unopposed, ending the night with 84,954 votes. He’s held this position in office since 2007, according to his senate website.
“I am humbled, honored, and appreciative of all the confidence in and support shown to me this past election and in years past. I will continue to work hard to be a strong and effective voice and advocate in Albany for all those I represent across the Mohawk Valley and North Country,” Griffo stated.