Grant wants recount in 63rd District

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - One of the most closely watched races was the Republican primary in the 60th District, where incumbent Senator Mark Grisanti faced a challenge and the campaign had gotten nasty.

But in a surprise, the 63rd District Democratic primary ended up being the closest race of the night.

Incumbent Senator Tim Kennedy was expected to easily defeat former Buffalo School Board member and Erie County Legislature Betty Jean Grant. Kennedy was seen as a rising star, and was backed by Democrats Rep. Brian Higgins and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

However, when the polls closed and election results started coming in, it quickly became clear this race would not be a landslide for Kennedy after all. Grant and the incumbent remained neck-and-neck as the numbers began to rise.

With a race this close, it was surely bound to end with whomever candidate ends up with the least votes asking for a recount. That didn't stop Grant's campaign from declaring victory Thursday night.

However, when 100% of the precincts reported in, Kennedy again topped Grant by 271 votes - though absentee ballots still need to be tallied.

If you watch the first video with this story, Grant says she will be asking for a recount. If you watch the second, you'll see her campaign prematurely declaring victory.

You can find election results here.