Winners emerge in tight local races

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Western New Yorkers cast their ballots in several local races Tuesday. The Erie County Comptroller race between Stefan Mychajliw and David Shenk was expected to come down to the wire, but it could be a while before voters know the outcome.

Comptroller David Shenk said, “Unfortunately it was close, and we're going to have to wait for the re canvass.” Shenk believes it will be settled in seven to 14 days.

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Assemblyman Sean Ryan won his first full term and says he has several things on his agenda, but one in particular. “One of the things people are really concerned with is that Buffalo, Lackawanna, Frontier and Hamburg school districts have all lost a lot of teachers in the last three years because of inadequate state funding, so we worked hard last year to get some of the state funding up, we're going to continue to do that, to allow these districts to return to full staffs and smaller class sizes."

Mike Madigan was no match for incumbent Congressman Brian Higgins. Higgins say she has some big plans in store for Niagara Falls.

Higgins said, "We see some great opportunities, obviously Niagara Falls has a considerable waterfront we're looking forward to that challenge and we think that we can help realize the full potential of Niagara Falls, NY as a great waterfront city that is not only national but global."

Republican State Senator Mark Grisanti will remain in his seat. Mike Amodeo wasn’t able to topple the incumbent. Amodeo said, “I wish the result was different but considering the forces working against us, I'm certainly proud of the accomplishments and I'll never regret deciding to run for State Senate.”

Democratic U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was elected to her first full term , overcoming Republican Challenger Wendy Long.

Barry Snyder, Jr. has won a fifth term as president of the Seneca Nation of Indians.