In the Republican primary for the 54th District state Senate race, Canandaigua Town Supervisor Pam Helming appeared to be the victor, leading the four other candidates.
Although absentee ballots still need to be counted, Helming was ahead of her closest rival, businessman Floyd Rayburn, by 190 votes.
Longtime state Sen. Mike Nozzolio currently has the position, but is not running for re-election. However, Helming realizes there is a legacy there.
“I definitely think that Mike Nozzolio has left big shoes to fill and I look forward to filling those shoes. He was amazing when it came to providing constituent services and being engaged and involved with the citizens and I have a passion to follow in his footsteps," Helming said.
Helming feels spending a lot of time getting to know the constituents is what helped herin the primary.
"We spent the last four months going to thousands of doors across this region and really put an emphasis on listening to the people and hearing what their priorities are for the district," Helming said.
If Helming is declared the winner, she will face Democrat Kenan Baldridge in November. The district leans strongly Republican, and includes parts of Seneca, Cayuga, Tompkins and Wayne Counties.
