Democratic voters have chosen their candidates for two western New York congressional races that will be decided in November.
In New York’s 24th Congressional District, veteran Alissa Ellman won the Democratic primary, defeating Diana Kastenbaum.
Ellman has said she was motivated to run for Congress after losing her job as a result of federal spending cuts carried out through the Department of Government Efficiency, commonly known as DOGE.
With the primary victory, Ellman advances to the general election, where she will challenge incumbent Republican Claudia Tenney.
Meanwhile, in New York’s 23rd Congressional District, Aaron Gies secured the Democratic nomination by defeating Erie County attorney Kevin Stocker.
Gies, a professor at St. Bonaventure University, will face incumbent Republican Nick Langworthy in the November general election.
The 23rd Congressional District covers much of Western New York and the Southern Tier, including portions of Steuben and Schuyler counties.
Both races are expected to draw attention as candidates begin campaigning ahead of the November election.
Elsewhere, the Republican nominee for New York’s 130th Assembly District has been decided, while the Democratic primary remains too close to call following Tuesday’s election.
Attorney George Dobbins won the Republican primary, defeating Monroe County Legislator Mark Johns and former Marion Town Supervisor Summer Johnson. With all election districts reporting, Dobbins received 2,087 votes, or 39.15 percent of the vote. Johnson finished second with 1,743 votes, while Johns received 1,478 votes.
On the Democratic side, Carl Fitzsimmons held a narrow lead over Joe Lamanna after all election districts reported results. Fitzsimmons received 2,081 votes, or 50.45 percent, compared to 2,032 votes, or 49.26 percent, for Lamanna — a difference of just 49 votes. The close margin could delay a final determination of the Democratic nominee.
The candidates are competing to succeed current Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, a Republican who announced in January that he would not seek re-election.
The 130th Assembly District includes all of Wayne County as well as the Town of Webster in Monroe County.
Election officials are expected to continue reviewing results in the Democratic race before a winner is officially declared.
