Democrat Marc Panepinto and Republicans Robert Ortt and Angela Wozniak were among the big winners on Election Day, winning seats in the state legislature.
In the 60th Senate District, Panepinto defeated Republican Kevin Stocker and incumbent Mark Grisanti, who was running on the Independence Party line. Panepinto gained 34% of the vote, compared to 30% for Stocker and 29% for Grisanti, who did not concede as of early Wednesday morning.
Panepinto arrived at the Erie County Democratic Committee election party at the Larkin Center well after many supporters and members of the media departed.
Panepinto held his own election party earlier above the Casa Di Pizza on Elmwood Avenue before joining the democratic party. He delivered a less than 2-minute acceptance speech.
"I'm sorry I got here a little like, but the poll numbers were coming in slow. I was working my polling place 'till 9'o'clock. I was soaking wet and there was a machine problem," Panepinto explained to democrats.
But in a live WBFO News we asked Panepinto about being so confident in this close race.
"I was confident at 60%. I'm confident at 100%. The absentee ballots are going to break any difference," stated Panepinto.
Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Jeremy Zellner was certain Panepinto was the winner.
"I'm confident in Marc," said Zellner.
Panepinto is ready to head to Albany to push for the Women's Equality Act, an increase in the minimum wage, fight against fracking and ask for more school funding.
"We have to fully fund education in New York State," said Panepinto in a live WBFO interview. Panepinto received substantial backing from the New York State United Teachers. The union spent more than $1.1-million on his campaign. Panepinto does not support Common Core Learning Standards.
"The Common Core handcuffs our teachers and they are teaching to the test," said Panepinto.
Newly named Erie County Democratic Election Commissioner Len Lenihan said Panepinto will wield a great deal of power when he arrives in Albany.
"If Marc is the deciding vote to put the democrats in the majority, that's a huge role for him to play and that brings with it a lot of clout," noted Lenihan.
Republican Robert Ortt won the race for the 62nd Senate District, defeating Democrat Johnny Destino for the seat being vacated by longtime lawmaker George Maziarz.
Newcomer Angela Wozniak won her Assembly race for the seat vacated by disgraced Democrat Dennis Gabryszak, winning 59% of the vote. Democrat Mark Mazurek earned 36% while Camille Brandon of the Working Families Party got 5%.
In other Senate races, incumbents Michael Ranzenhofer (R) and Timothy Kennedy (D) won re-election over Democrat Elaine Altman and Republican Ricky Donovan Sr., respectively. Republican Patrick Gallivan was unopposed.
In the Assembly, Democrat Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Republican Jane Corwin, Republican David DiPietro, Democrat Michael Kearns and Republican John Ceretto ran unopposed. Democrat Robin Schimminger fended off a challenge from Republican William Reece. Incumbent Democrat Sean Ryan and Republican Ray Walter won their races against Republican Jacob Bratek and Democrat Steven Meyer.
Three area congressional representatives won re-election: Brian Higgins, Tom Reed and Chris Collins. Statwide, three top Democrats, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, all won their races. Three state ballots propositions passed with 'yes' votes.
Republican Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs defeated Democratic challenger William Clark. Buffalo Common Councilman Rasheed Wyatt cruised to victory over Republican James Rozanski. Former Seneca president Maurice “Moe” John won the election for president of the Seneca Nation
Results from Erie County are available on the Board of Elections website.
