Voters across Central New York hit the polls yesterday. Here are some of the highlights!
Onondaga County Legislature:
Like Mother like son, the son of retiring County Legislator Monica Williams is in a strong position to take her seat. Vernon Williams Jr narrowly beat Charles Garland to represent Democrats in Onondaga County's 16th Legislative district. Williams leads slightly but the final decision won't come until all the absentee ballots are counted.
In the 7th District, Political newcomer Mary Kuhn defeated DeWitt town board member Joey Chiarenza.
In the 15th District, Bill Kinne is making a political comeback. He was on the County Legislature for 20 years until he retired in 2011 after suffering a brain aneurysm that nearly killed him.
Syracuse Common Council:
A former refugee from South Sudan is poised to join the Syracuse Common Council next year.
Chol Majok is the apparent winner in a three-way primary between Democrats for Syracuse's 3rd District Common Council Seat. Majok began ascending in politics when he was hired by former Mayor Stephanie Miner to work at City Hall.
Majok has a wife and five children. He does not face a Republican challenger this November and is the Working Families and Independence Party candidate.
Former Syracuse Police Chief Steve Thompson is being voted off the Syracuse Common Council. Thompson has been on the council since 2015. He is being replaced by City School Board member Rita Paniagua. There were two seats up for grabs. Incumbent Councilor Michael Greene led both candidates. Greene and Paniagua face GOP Challengers in November.
Oswego County Family Court:
The hottest race in Oswego County turned a split decision.
Thom Benedetto beat Lou Anne Rucynski Coleman, both of whom want to be on the Family Court Bench. Benedetto won the Republican and Conservative Party primaries. While Rucynski Coleman will appear on the ballot with the Independence Party.
It is unclear if Rucynski Coleman will continue her campaign.