Voters fill State Assembly vacancy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's primary night in New York State and it's also a special election in Buffalo and Grand Island, where voters are filling a State Assembly vacancy left by the resignation of Sam Hoyt.

UPDATE: Sean Ryan has declared victory at Cole's in Buffalo. He is celebrating with his family after finishing a 6 or 7 minute speech obviously thanking his predecessor Sam Hoyt who has held the seat for many years.

Meet Sean Ryan, the Democratic candidate for assembly, he's big on neighborhood redevelopment.

Sean Ryan said, "From that, you yield nice houses for people to live in, construction jobs to do that work, that's a stimulus and at the end you have a nice stable neighborhood."

Then there's Sean Kipp, the Republican candidate, he believes a fresh approach to government is healthy.

Sean Kipp said, "I think that for too long the career politicians have made a career out of this and that's the problem."

Gregory Horn is running as a Green Party candidate, he tells News 4 that he's running against the failed policies of the major parties.

"I'm running because I believe the voters deserve an independent choice on the ballot," added Horn.

Horn said, "The influence of money is the biggest problem we have with our system. And if we can't solve that problem, we can't solve any other problem."

And for voters, this is an important election with some big shoes to fill.

Buffalo Democrat Sam Hoyt held the seat, but resigned to take a top economic development position in the Cuomo administration.

Voter Christine Roach said, "Sam's been our representative for years , and it's important that we find somebody to follow up who is as committed to the city as he's been."

"It's a tough time for New York State so we're just hoping we get some good representation from upstate New York," added voter Holly Sinnott.