Election Day brought a significant reshuffling across the Finger Lakes region, with new leadership emerging in several key positions. While not all of the outcomes were expected, there were several notable winners and losers after voters cast their ballots. There are also a number of races that remain unsettled.
ELECTION RESULTS: Who won? Who lost? What are the counts right now?
New faces on Yates County Legislature
Board of Elections confirmed that Nonie Flynn and Leigh MacKerchar are set to join the legislature, introducing new dynamics into District #3. Meanwhile, George Lawson’s current lead suggests a potential shift in District #4’s representation. Brian Champlin won the coroner’s race decisively there, too.
Democrats gain ground on Cayuga County Legislature
Democrats have gained the upper hand in the Cayuga County Legislature, clinching a majority with at least seven seats. The wins include incumbents and newcomers alike, with Brian Muldrow and Heidi Nightengale celebrating re-elections and Stephanie DeVito scoring a fresh win in District #10.
This shift presages a different outlook for Cayuga County, especially with the legislature’s impending reduction in seats.
Auburn gets a new mayor, as Giannettino cruises to victory
The City’s mayoral race concluded with Jimmy Giannettino earning the title defeating Tim Lattimore, while other wards reported close races or leads too narrow to immediately call. It was a strong showing for Democrats, who won both city council seats on the ballot, in addition to the mayoral seat.
Geneva gets staggered terms, Valentino gets re-elected, and unsettled City Council races
Geneva’s municipal leadership remains in familiar hands as Mayor Steve Valentino is projected to start a new two-year term, a result of recent changes to term lengths approved by voters. He received 1,336 votes to 1,249 for challenger Jan Regan. City Council races are displaying tight contests with Democrats John Brennan and Ahmad Whitfield tentatively securing leads for at-large seats. However, contests in Ward 3, Ward 5, and Ward 6 remained too close to call after Election Day.
The staggered terms proposition received strong voter approval, setting a new course for the city’s political structure starting in 2024.
Canandaigua Democrats cruise to victory
While much will be made of the mixed results in Geneva, Democrats had a convincing sweep in Canandaigua’s city races. Nancy Yacci won the contested city supervisor races there, to serve on the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. Meanwhile, Democrats Michael Mills, Guy Turchetti, Donna Cator, and Erich Dittmar swept in Wards 1-4.
Seneca County DA race appears settled
Republican Challenger John Nabinger thanked supporters and the community after claiming victory late on Election Night. He held an approximate 200 vote lead over incumbent Democrat Mark Sinkiewicz.
Seneca Falls Town Board looks to be split
Frank Schmitter has successfully unseated Seneca Falls Town Supervisor Mike Ferrara, and Republican Dawn Dyson, alongside Democrat Jackson Puylara, will sit on the Seneca Falls Town Board. While there are still absentee ballots to be counted there, it appears as though there will not be enough to change the outcome from Election Night.
Wayne County has issues tabulating results
UPDATE at 1:32 PM: Wayne Country Unofficial Results are now posted here.
After no results were posted Wednesday morning, election officials in Wayne County said they ran into issues on election night and had notified the state. “The Wayne County Board of Elections ran into trouble with card counts following last night’s election process. They will resume counts and calculations this morning and report results as soon as they are available. The State Board of Elections has been notified,” Republican Commissioner John Zornow said.
Josh is the publisher of FingerLakes1.com. Have a question? Send them to [email protected].