A hotly contested race for New York state senator in the 8th District is far from over, according to the Senate GOP spokesperson Scott Reif.
“This is only one part of the process, and there are still more than a thousand ballots to be examined beginning next week under the supervision of a judge,” said Reif. “Despite an effort by the Democrats to shut this down prematurely, this race is far from over.”
The statement comes after it was reported that current Republican Senator Michael Venditto ultimately lost to Democratic challenger John E. Brooks, after a heated race that lasted for weeks.
According to the state Board of Elections, it was last determined that Brooks led Venditto 64,499 to 64,466, with all 202 districts reporting in the 8th Senate District. However, at the time, there were still 76 write-in ballots to be counted.
After a recount in votes, it was stated by the Democratic party that Brooks won the seat. Should this remain true, the GOP will have 31 seats in the 63-member chamber.
“I am humbled and honored to be the next state senator from the 8th District,” said Brooks in a press statement. “For far too long, elected officials have used their positions to line their pockets at the taxpayers’ expense. In our campaign, we focused on reforming the way public education is funded, eliminating corruption and alleviating the excessive property tax burden now being faced by far too many New Yorkers.”
Brooks continued to say that he “will work hard each and every day putting the needs of Long Island families above everything else.”
These latest results will be taken before a Nassau County Supreme Court judge, who will rule on the ballot challenges.
