Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, November 8th presented by Canandaigua Dentistry!

Recapping a stunning Election Night across the Finger Lakes and Central New York and getting you the 10 biggest headlines to get your day started!

Nov 08, 2023

Each day we bring you the biggest headlines and the stories that matter from the heart of the Finger Lakes. Our newsroom is locally owned-and-operated — keeping you informed and up-to-date every day of the year.

Election upheaval: Outcomes in Cayuga, Seneca, and Yates races + Auburn, Geneva, and Seneca Falls

Election Day brought a significant reshuffling across the Finger Lakes region, with new leadership emerging in several key positions. While not all of the outcomes were expected, there were several notable winners and losers after voters cast their ballots. There are also a number of races that remain unsettled.

New faces on Yates County Legislature

Board of Elections confirmed that Nonie Flynn and Leigh MacKerchar are set to join the legislature, introducing new dynamics into District #3. Meanwhile, George Lawson’s current lead suggests a potential shift in District #4’s representation. Brian Champlin won the coroner’s race decisively there, too.

Democrats gain ground on Cayuga County Legislature

Democrats have gained the upper hand in the Cayuga County Legislature, clinching a majority with at least seven seats. The wins include incumbents and newcomers alike, with Brian Muldrow and Heidi Nightengale celebrating re-elections and Stephanie DeVito scoring a fresh win in District #10.

This shift presages a different outlook for Cayuga County, especially with the legislature’s impending reduction in seats.

Auburn gets a new mayor, as Giannettino cruises to victory

The City’s mayoral race concluded with Jimmy Giannettino earning the title defeating Tim Lattimore, while other wards reported close races or leads too narrow to immediately call. It was a strong showing for Democrats, who won both city council seats on the ballot, in addition to the mayoral seat.

Geneva gets staggered terms, Valentino gets re-elected, and unsettled City Council races

Geneva’s municipal leadership remains in familiar hands as Mayor Steve Valentino is projected to start a new two-year term, a result of recent changes to term lengths approved by voters. He received 1,336 votes to 1,249 for challenger Jan Regan. City Council races are displaying tight contests with Democrats John Brennan and Ahmad Whitfield tentatively securing leads for at-large seats. However, contests in Ward 3, Ward 5, and Ward 6 remained too close to call after Election Day.

The staggered terms proposition received strong voter approval, setting a new course for the city’s political structure starting in 2024.

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Canandaigua Democrats cruise to victory

While much will be made of the mixed results in Geneva, Democrats had a convincing sweep in Canandaigua’s city races. Nancy Yacci won the contested city supervisor races there, to serve on the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. Meanwhile, Democrats Michael Mills, Guy Turchetti, Donna Cator, and Erich Dittmar swept in Wards 1-4.

Seneca County DA race appears settled

Republican Challenger John Nabinger thanked supporters and the community after claiming victory late on Election Night. He held an approximate 200 vote lead over incumbent Democrat Mark Sinkiewicz.

Seneca Falls Town Board looks to be split

Frank Schmitter has successfully unseated Seneca Falls Town Supervisor Mike Ferrara, and Republican Dawn Dyson, alongside Democrat Jackson Puylara, will sit on the Seneca Falls Town Board. While there are still absentee ballots to be counted there, it appears as though there will not be enough to change the outcome from Election Night.

Wayne County lags, as usual

It wouldn’t be election night without waiting for results from Wayne County. Once again, as I write this recap Wednesday morning, we still don’t have results in this rural county.

Click below to get the RESULTS!

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More headlines for Wednesday, November 8th!

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