Ortt, Tenney, Gillibrand issue statements on victories
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and State Sen. Rob Ortt all cruised to election victories.
Gillibrand was first elected to the Senate in 2009. She won another six-year term.
“This victory makes it absolutely clear that New Yorkers believe in a government that works, and that we must put people over politics,” Gillibrand said in a statement on Tuesday night. “I am committed to finding common sense solutions, which is why I always reach across the aisle to find common ground, from delivering health benefits for first responders and veterans, to taking illegal guns off the street, to bringing down costs for New York families. New Yorkers believe in fundamental truths, like caring about our neighbors and treating others with kindness, decency and respect. That has been, and will continue to be, the hallmark of my public service.”
Gillibrand, a Democrat, didn’t fare too well in Orleans County, a Republican stronghold. She received 5,344 votes to the 11,375 to Michael Sapraicone.
Claudia Tenney won a fourth term in Congress in a redrawn NY-24. Orleans County currently is split in districts represented by Joe Morelle, a Democrat from Rochester, and Tenney, a Republican who lives in Oswego County. But redistricting has put all of Orleans in Tenney’s district, which covers about a dozen counties.
She defeated David Wagenhauser, a Democrat from Seneca County. In Orleans County, Tenney received 12,131 votes to 4,327 for Wagenhauser.
“I am honored by the overwhelming support from the voters of NY-24 tonight,” Tenney said last night in a statement. “Our grassroots campaign was able to reach voters in every corner of this new district with our message of economic growth, a secure border and safe streets.
“Since representing NY-24, our office has delivered millions for this community, stood up for local taxpayers against oppressive governments in Albany and Washington and remain the only Member of Congress to explain every vote I take on the House Floor in detail,” Tenney said. “Our unparalleled transparency and aggressive advocacy have resonated with voters across all party lines. While our election may be over, the fight has just begun to ensure President Trump’s victory tonight along with key Congressional Districts. As the founder and Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, we will continue to closely monitor the swing states and swing districts to ensure that only legal votes are counted.”
Rob Ortt was unopposed for another term in the State Senate. His district includes all of Orleans and all of Niagara, and part of western Monroe County. He was first elected to the Senate 10 years ago.
Ortt received 13,996 in Orleans out of 17,931 total. There were 65 write-in votes and 3,870 who didn’t vote for Ortt.
“I want to thank the constituents of the 62nd Senate District for once again placing their trust in me and electing me to represent them in our State Senate,” he said in a statement last night. “Serving the residents of Western New York remains an honor of a lifetime and something that I will never take for granted. I will continue to fight for you each and every day.
“I’d also like to congratulate all of tonight’s GOP winners, including my good friends Angelo Morinello and Paul Bologna who will represent the 145th and 144th Assembly Districts, respectively,” Ortt said. “I have every confidence they will continue to fight for the liberties, values, and livelihoods of Western New York families and businesses. Thank you for trusting in us to make New York a safer, more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”
