Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - After years serving as Erie County Democratic Chair, Board of Elections Commissioner and a campaign advisor, Jeremy Zellner is now on his way to serve the people of the 61st State Senate District in Albany.
Zellner won the seat vacated by now Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan in a special election on Tuesday against his Republican party opponent, Amherst businessman Dan Gagliardo.
The Democrat-endorsed Zellner, 47, garnered nearly 60% of the more than 31,000 votes cast in the Feb. 3 special election, while Gagliardo had almost 40% of the vote.
"The people spoke loud and clear," Zellner said.
Zellner will officially be sworn into office on Feb. 4, as part of the state lawmaker's meeting.
The 61st State Senate District includes parts of Buffalo and Amherst, as well as Grand Island and the Town and City of Tonawanda.
Zellner says he plans to continue serving as chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party while holding the Senate seat.
Gagliardo is a restaurant owner and a former candidate for Amherst Town Supervisor. He's expected to run in the November general election against either Zellner or State Assemblyman Jon Rivera, who will likely be challenging Zellner in a June Democratic Party primary.
Both campaigns invested heavily in television advertising leading up to the election.
The Feb. 3 special election fills the seat only temporarily. Voters will choose a candidate to serve a full term in a primary and general election later this year.