NEWS

Didi Barrett wins Assembly race; Kelsey concedes

John Davis
Poughkeepsie Journal
webkey 2014 Election

Democrat Didi Barrett will return to Albany for a second two-year term representing the 106th Assembly District.

Based on the latest unofficial results, Barrett won the prolonged election for the Assembly seat, Columbia County Democratic Elections Commissioner Virginia Martin said Saturday.

"I'm happy to be able to get back to work and continue working for the people of the district," Barrett said Saturday night. "My priority is to be sure the Hudson Valley and our district is always on the radar screen in Albany when decisions are being made."

The race between Barrett, a Hudson resident, and Republican Michael Kelsey of Salt Point was too close to call on Election Day, Nov. 4. Barrett led Kelsey by only 137 votes of the more than 33,000 cast. But about 2,000 absentee and affidavit ballots remained to be counted.

With most of those paper ballots counted Friday afternoon, Barrett has a lead — including paper and machine ballots in Dutchess and Columbia counties — of more than 400, Martin said.

There are 193 absentee and affidavit ballots remaining in Columbia County to be counted and 76 in Dutchess, Martin said. Not enough uncounted ballots remain to erase Barrett's lead.

"There is no way she can lose," Martin said. "We have not certified it but she has won the race."

Barrett declared victory earlier Saturday in a statement: "The people of the 106th District have honored me with the opportunity to serve them in the New York state Assembly for another two-year term. To the 18,000 voters who supported me, I am humbled by the faith and confidence you've shown in me and I look forward to the privilege of continuing to work for you."

Kelsey conceded the election Saturday.

"Just looking at the numbers it doesn't look like the votes are there," he said.

Kelsey also posted a statement on his Facebook page: "As I concede this race, I wish Assemblywoman Barrett all the best as she renews her commitment for a second term to truly being present in the communities, to listen to the concerns of the people, vote their values, and serve the needs of society's most vulnerable."

John Davis: jpdavis@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4807, Twitter: @JohnDavisPJ