Central New York Senate win brings Democratic seats to 43

ALBANY – The state Senate Democrats declared victory in the 50th Senate District recently, announcing Democratic candidate John Mannion had bested Republican challenger Angi Renna.

Absentee ballot counting for the 50th District, which mostly covers the suburbs outside Syracuse and parts of Onondaga and Cayuga counties, was postponed in Onondaga County after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus. At the time, elections staff halted the count for two weeks and resumed the count Monday, Nov. 30.

The seat previously was held by Republican Bob Antonacci, who held the seat for a year before resigning after being elected to serve as a state Supreme Court judge. Mannion unsuccessfully ran against Antonacci in 2018.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins congratulated Mannion for his “impressive win” on Monday, announcing the Democrat’s win. 

“John will be a strong voice for his constituents and joins a large group of senators representing upstate New York residents,” she said. “John’s experience and life-long commitment to his community will be invaluable as the Senate Democratic Conference moves forward helping our entire state emerge from this pandemic and economic crisis stronger and better prepared for the future.”

Mannion credited his win to the hardworking residents of the region, and pledged to bring a voice to Albany for the Central New York district. 

“For too long, we have been left behind, and I look forward to working with my Senate Democratic Majority colleagues to ensure this community and communities throughout upstate receive the state support and investment we deserve,” Mannion said. “I am grateful to my family, our campaign team, and everyone who helped achieve this win, and I am excited to hit the ground running and get to work.”

The freshman legislator’s win brings the total Democratic seats in the Senate to 43, surpassing the 42-seat threshold needed to achieve supermajority status. 

Amanda Fries