As more absentee and mail-in ballots are counted across New York state, many close races are being called.
Senator Anna Kaplan, D-Great Neck, will continue her service as State Senator for New York’s Seventh Senate District after Republican challenger Dave Franklin conceded the election.
“This afternoon I received a call from Dave Franklin, who graciously called to concede and to offer his congratulations on my re-election. We had a nice chat, and I thanked him for his call and for running a spirited campaign” Kaplan said in a statement on Wednesday.
Many other close legislative elections have been called, including two victories for Democrats in the state Assembly.
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin has been re-elected after being behind on election day. She fended off a challenge by Republican Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, but the absentee ballots counted over the past two weeks put Griffin over the top.
“I am honored to have been re-elected by the constituents of AD21,” Griffin said. “I have worked diligently to represent this district, provide a voice to all and make a positive impact. I will proudly continue to serve and advocate for this district with integrity and dedication and am grateful for the vote of confidence from AD21 and the support of so many who together helped me be victorious.”
Monica Wallace, Assemblywoman for New York’s 143rd Assembly District learned she won re-election this week.
“We are in for a difficult next few months,” Wallace said. “Families across Western New York are hurting as a result of the dual crises of the pandemic and the economic fallout that has followed. It has never been more important to have leaders who act with the seriousness and urgency this situation requires. Our district deserves a representative who will conduct herself with dignity and integrity and who will do everything she can to help our community through this difficult time. I pledge to do just that.”
Jim Gaughran, who was elected to the state Senate in the blue wave of 208, declared victory over Edmund Smyth this week in the 5th Senate District.
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Senator Jim Gaughran on his reelection,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Since first joining the Senate in 2018, as part of the historic freshman class that helped flip the Chamber to Democratic control, Jim has been an outspoken advocate for his constituents, and for the needs of his community. Jim’s chairmanship of the Local Governments Committee has been a source of leadership and stability for local governments throughout the state as they struggle with this pandemic, economic crisis, and uncertainty from Washington.
