Lockport Union-Sun & Journal — John Ceretto says it's official - he's heading back to the New York State Senate.
In a release from his office Thursday, the Lewiston Republican declared victory in his race against Democratic challenger Robert Restaino for the state Assembly's 145th District seat.
Unofficial results from election night showed Ceretto with a 905-vote lead, not counting absentee and affidavit ballots. Following a count by the Erie County Board of Elections, Ceretto's lead grew by 147 votes to 1,052. The Niagara County Board of Elections started opening paper ballots on Tuesday, with 2,245 absentee ballots and 911 affidavit ballots left to tally.
On Thursday, Ceretto indicated that he had enough votes in his favor to call the race.
"With all absentee ballots counted, the margin between me and my opponent is greater than the affidavit ballots remaining," Ceretto said. "I am excited to officially begin a second term."
Ceretto was first elected to the state Assembly in 2010 and currently represents the 138th District which includes Niagara Falls and the towns of Cambria, Lewiston, Niagara, Porter, Wheatfield, Wilson and Hartland. As a result of a statewide redistricting process, in January Ceretto will represent the 145th District which covers Niagara Falls, portions of North Tonawanda and the towns of Cambria, Grand Island, Lewiston, Niagara and Wheatfield.
"I am grateful and humbled that the voters of the 145th Assembly District have entrusted me with a second term in the Assembly," Ceretto said. "It is very encouraging that so many voted for the person rather than political party. These next two years I will continue by bipartisan efforts, working with leaders from all parties to move our state and our Western New York region forward."
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