Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - To newly elected State Sen. Jeremy Zellner, his campaign ended shortly after 9 p.m. on Feb. 3 when the polls closed in a rare regional special election.
But his work as State Senator began just after midnight on Feb. 4.
"Tonight was for celebrating, tomorrow is for work," Zellner said.
Zellner, the Erie County Democratic Party chairman, won a compact, but hard-fought campaign against his Republican and Conservative Party-backed opponent, Amherst businessman Dan Gagliardo.
According to unofficial Erie County Board of Elections results, Zellner garnered 18,752 votes - nearly 60% of the more than 31,000 votes cast in the State Senate's 61st District.
Gagliardo had a combined 12,591 votes on the two lines - nearly 40% of the votes cast.
"The people spoke loud and clear," Zellner said. "People felt good about our message."
By lunchtime on Wednesday, Zellner will be in Albany and sworn into office.
"I will be laser focused," Zellner promised.
Zellner and his fellow state lawmakers will be addressing Gov. Kathy Hochul's proposed $260 billion Fiscal Year budget.
And there are key issues to address, including supporting Hochul's proposal on limited taxes on tips and child care and educational matters.
As for running as a candidate instead of serving as a campaign advisor, Zellner called it a learning experience.
"Running for office is not easy," Zellner said.
And Zellner is not done running.
Zellner will, likely, face a June Democratic Party primary for his State Senate seat. Assemblyman Jon Rivera is expected to challenge Zellner.
Then there is the November general election.
"I'm ready," Zellner said.
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