Paul Tonko has won the Democratic Primary for the 21st Congressional District.
Democratic congressional candidate Tracey Brooks has conceded her race for the retiring Congressman Michael McNulty’s seat to the former assemblyman and NYSERDA CEO, who handily won the five-way race.
Brooks, who came the closest to Tonko’s lead and focused her campaign on being the only woman in the race, announced her concession at the Victory CafE in downtown Albany. Tonko graciously acknowledged his victory and thanked his supporters at Washington Tavern in Albany, saying it was an emotional and spirited campaign.
Let me thank all of the volunteers … and the union labor, and of course my family, for all their hard work, Tonko told a packed room of supporters `People have been very encouraging and inspiring.`
To loud chants of `Tonko,` the primary winner announced `Let’s start a new day for America.`
Tonko said he was pleased with his strong showing in Schenectady, Montgomery, Fulton, and Schoharie counties, and was also happy with his votes from particular wards in Albany County where the voters had to choose between the other four local Democratic candidates.
McNulty himself made an appearance at Tonko’s rally to show his support for the Democratic candidate who will now run against James Burhmaster, R-Scotia, in November’s general election.
Buhrmaster, a Schenectady County Legislator and local businessman, defeated Republican challenger Steven Vasquez by a substantial margin, according to unofficial results from the Albany County Board of Elections.
Other Democrats who completed in the primary include Phil Steck, Colonie; Darius Shahinfar, Albany; and Joseph Sullivan, Albany.“