WESTERN NEW YORK – Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello won the Republican Party’s nomination for New York State’s 57th Senator District Tuesday night after defeating Allegany County Board of Legislators Chairman Curtis Crandall.
Borrello is WNYNewsNow’s projected winner, tallying 60 percent of the votes across the district.
Speaking with WNYNewsNow’s Justin Gould, Borrello said he is proud to represent the Republican Party in the General Election.
“We are all pulling on the same rope,” said Borrello. “I want to say thank you very much for those who voted for me, for those who have not I hope to earn your respect going forward. But the biggest thank you has to go to my wife Kelly, who has dealt with this every step of the way, and I appreciate her support and love.”
The candidate said that he hopes he can work with Crandall as the General Election approaches.
“I hope that we can bring the Republican Party together,” said Borrello. “What is going on in Albany is unprecedented, and it is completely against our shared Conservative and Republican values.”
Borrello will face Democrat Candidate Austin Morgan in November’s General Election.
In another highly anticipated race, Chautauqua County Legislator Dave Wilfong won the City of Jamestown Mayoral Republican nomination. Wilfong defeated Jamestown City Councilman At-Large Andrew Liuzzo.
Wilfong told WNYNewsNow that he is thankful for the hard work the Liuzzo campaign invested in the race.
“When you drove around the city, you knew that Andrew Liuzzo was running,” said Wilfong.
The Legislator did, however, say he was disappointed in the lack of political participation in this primary.
“I was really shocked at the amount of people that probably weren’t involved in the way they should be,” said Wilfong. “I think a lot of people have given up on the city, that they can’t make changes, we can’t move forward. I hope in a Wilfong Administration, we can change that.”
Liuzzo said, following the defeat, that he hopes that City Republicans chose the right candidate to serve as Jamestown undergoes an administration change.
“I feel that is the Democratic process,” Liuzzo said. “The people made their choice, and now I just hope that they pick the right candidate to move the city forward.”
Wilfong will now face Democrat Eddie Sundquist in November’s election.
Longtime City Ward II Councilman Tony Dolce fended off challenger Raven Mason-Thompson, winning more than 77 percent of the vote.
Dolce said the issues and views Mason-Thompson brought forward during her campaign will be something he will ponder.
“Her issues and views should be taken into account,” said Dolce. “I look forward to her being a constituent in my ward and working with her.”
Dolce commended Mason-Thompson for entering the race.
“It is always tough to come into the process as a new person,” said Dolce. “I appreciate that she ran a good race and worked hard.”
Mason-Thompson said that, despite the loss, she was happy to see a movement emerge during her campaign.
“I’m grateful for stirring things up,” Mason-Thompson said. “I’m grateful for the people who have decided that change is needed, that hope is still alive. As far as I’m concerned, God is on the move. He’s our new beginning, and better days are ahead.”
The final hotly-contested race of the evening was between incumbent Town of Carroll Supervisor Laura S. Smith and challenger Russell L. Payne, who defeated Smith 188 to 159.
A full list of ‘unofficial results’ are available here.
WNYNewsNow’s Justin Gould and Matt Hummel contributed to this report.
Way to go Dave!!! DAVE WILFONG FOR MAYOR!!!!👍👍👍