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UPDATED Election 2018: Collins defeats McMurray, challenger seeks recount

Staff Reports

Wed, Nov 7th 2018 05:50 am
Incumbent 27th District Congressman Chris Collins was re-elected Tuesday night, narrowly defeating challenger and Grand Island Supervisor Nathan McMurray by 2,980 votes.
Collins, a Republican, netted 133,838 votes (including 53,722, Erie County; 23,093, Niagara County; 14,538, Orleans County; 10,986, Genesee County; 8,281, Wyoming County; 11,940, Livingston County), besting Democrat McMurray, 130,858 votes (59,258, Erie County; 22,393, Niagara County; 9,010, Orleans County; 8,149, Genesee County; 4,608, Wyoming County; 11,379, Livingston County). Reform Party candidate Larry Piegza finished third with 5,754 votes (2,305, Erie County; 1,034, Niagara County; 380, Orleans County; 598, Genesee County; 348, Wyoming County; 524, Livingston County).
Overnight, McMurray issued the following statement, "After examining the numbers, the margin is 1 percent and the will of the voters must be heard. We are demanding a recount. Mr. Collins is going to need another set of lawyers."
McMurray then issued the following statement Wednesday afternoon:
"When we started this race, the insiders and pundits said we didn't have a chance. But we gave the voters a better choice, and by earning support from Republicans, independents and Democrats alike, we're beating the odds and we won't stop until the official results are confirmed. We need to make sure every voice and every vote in this region is heard and counted.
"This isn't even yet a recount. We haven't even had an official count yet. In our democracy, every single vote matters. There are over 18,000 votes that have not yet been counted, between absentee, emergency, and affidavit ballots. If this were Election Day, we would still be holding tight. We will continue to count each and every ballot to ensure every voter in this district is heard.
"With only 2,800 votes separating us, this race is too close to call. There are too many voters who have not yet had their say. We are fighting to make sure every vote is counted because every vote counts.
"I believe that the hardworking families of this district are ready to reject the stale and ineffective tactics of partisanship politics, put country before party, and turn the page from Chris Collins' self-serving chapter in our region's history. We must finish counting ballots so we can finally get to work to make Washington and fixing a rigged system that both Republicans and Democrats agree is hopelessly broken.
"That starts with me, a Democrat, talking to you, my voters who are Republicans and Democrats and independents, about what we can do to solve the real problems our nation faces. We need to create secure borders, not with grandstanding and rhetoric, but with real immigration reforms that protect our sovereignty, but also makes sure our farmers have the workforce they need to succeed. It means protecting Social Security and Medicare, so Americans get the benefits they've been paying for their entire lives. It means defending the Second Amendment while passing common-sense reforms like universal background checks to keep guns away from terrorists and criminals. It means bringing good jobs back to our region, investing in infrastructure and protecting our farmers. It means standing strong against corruption in both parties to give taxpayers honest leadership they can trust. 
"This isn't over yet. We're still fighting like hell."
In other races:
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli handily won re-election.
•In the New York State Senate, Robert Ortt, Chris Jacobs and Michael Ranzenhofer were victorious. With 87 percent of the vote, Ortt (62nd District), a Republican, summarily defeated Green Party candidate Peter Diachun. In the 60th District, Jacobs (Republican, 58,083) topped Democrat Carima El Behairy (45,681), while Republican Ranzenhofer (56,781) defeated Democrat Joan Seamans (47,440) in District 61.
•Republican Assemblyman Angelo Morinello (145th District) will have a second term in office. He ran unopposed. Democrat Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (140th District) and Republican Assemblyman Michael Norris (144th District) also won. In the 146th District, Democrat Karen McMahon (25,247) topped Republican Raymond Walter (22,631).
•Republican Michael Kearns (158,801) is leading Democrat Angela Marinucci (153,224) as he seeks to be re-elected Erie County clerk.
•Congressman Brian Higgins (Democrat, 157,086 votes) bested Renee Marie Zeno (Republican, 58,128) in the 26th District, and Republican Congressman Tom Reed beat Democrat challenger Tracy Mitrano by 10 percent (122,881 to 100,495) in the 23rd District.
•Democrat Letitia James won the race for state attorney general, almost doubling-up Republican challenger Keith Wofford.
Kyle Andrews won the Niagara County treasurer seat. He ran unopposed and on all lines. Republican Gary Strassburg won the District One Niagara County coroner spot, also running without a challenger.
All election results are currently unofficial, pending certification, receipt of absentee ballots and any necessary recounts.

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