Republican candidate for governor Bruce Blakeman headlined the Ontario County Republican Committee’s annual Constitution Day Dinner in Geneva, where the organization also honored U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney and longtime committee member Matt Eldridge.
The Sept. 18 event was held at Club 86 and brought together Republican candidates, elected officials, committee members and supporters from across the region, according to the committee. Tenney received the organization’s Patriot Award, while Eldridge was named the 2026 Ontario County Republican of the Year. 2026 Constitution Day Press Rel…
Blakeman was joined by lieutenant governor candidate Todd Hood, attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy and state comptroller candidate Joseph Hernandez. Tenney, state Sen. Pam Helming and Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey were also among the elected officials attending.
Several Ontario County candidates were recognized during the event, including Sheriff David Cirencione, Treasurer Jeff Trickler and coroners Terri Haskins and Scott Avedisian, who are seeking reelection. The committee also recognized Laura Abplanalp, a candidate for Bristol town supervisor; Meg Fuller, a candidate for South Bristol town supervisor; and Bill Stopka, a candidate for Naples town supervisor.
Tenney was presented with the Patriot Award for what the committee described as her work on constitutional rights, individual liberties, election policy, public safety and the rule of law.
“Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a true patriot and a defender of our Constitution,” Ontario County Republican Committee Chairwoman Trisha Turner said.
The committee also named Eldridge its Republican of the Year, citing decades of community service and involvement with the party.
Eldridge has lived in Ontario County for 37 years and in Phelps for 26 years. He is a member of the Phelps and Ontario County Republican committees and has served with the Phelps Fire Department for more than 25 years.
He also serves on the Ontario County Fire Advisory Board and Village of Phelps Zoning Board of Appeals and volunteers with the Ontario County Office of Emergency Management. Eldridge has worked in maintenance at the Newark Housing Authority for 26 years.
“Matt Eldridge represents the very best of what it means to be a Republican and a community servant,” Turner said. “For decades, Matt has given his time and talents to his community, his fire department, emergency services and our Republican Party.”
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