Onondaga County Democratic Assemblyman Al Stirpe is claiming victory in his reelection bid over Republican challenger, and former Cicero town supervisor, Mark Venesky. Stirpe leads by 6,000 votes after being down by 1,000 votes on election night.
It’s another win for Democrats, who have been making a comeback with absentee ballots in some races, after being down on election night. The Onondaga County Board of Elections is concluding its absentee ballot count.
In a statement, Stirpe said this has been a campaign season unlike any other. He said he is hopeful that in the coming months, New York state will update its laws, so that absentee ballots can be counted sooner. The county Board of Elections had to wait a week after Election Day to start counting absentee ballots. Then, they had to shut down for two weeks after 12 staffers tested posted for COVID-19.
Venesky said he called Stirpe to congratulate him and wish him the best. In a statement, Venesky thanked his supporters and said although they fell short, they worked hard and ran a good campaign.
