© 2024 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Special State Senate race in the Southern Tier leaning Republican

Bret Jaspers
/
WSKG News File Photo
Fred Akshar, a Republican, is favored to win a special election for State Senate in the Southern Tier

A special Senate race in the Southern Tier is favored to be won by the Republican in the race.

Deputy Sheriff and GOP candidate Fred Akshar is leading in the polls in the heavily Republican district.

“I will fight for your interest and your needs, and I will never allow Albany to change me,” Akshar said at a debate on WSKG.

Credit Bret Jaspers/WSKG
Democrat Barbara Fiala, former DMV comissioner, did not receive much support from her party.

His opponent, Democrat Barbara Fiala, did not get the support she expected from the Democratic  Party and Governor Cuomo .

“If elected, I’m going to Albany to fight for this area,” said Fiala, who called herself an “independent voice”.

The seat is open because the previous occupant, former State Senator Tom Libous, was convicted in a felony corruption case and forced to resign.

Karen DeWitt is Capitol Bureau Chief for New York State Public Radio, a network of 10 public radio stations in New York State. She has covered state government and politics for the network since 1990.