BUFFALO, N.Y. — Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello, a Republican, is expected to win the 57th State Senate District. Borrello is running against Democrat Austin Morgan, a 22-year-old Cornell University graduate.
Borrello is filling the seat vacated by Cathy Young. Young resigned earlier this year to take a job at Cornell University as director of the New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech.
"As someone with experience as a small business owner, county legislator and county executive, I've worked to go above and beyond expectations and deliver real results," Borrello said in an April statement.
Borrello became the Chautauqua County executive in 2017. A longtime county legislator, he had previously worked as the Planning and Economic Development Committee chairman.
The 57th District covers Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, and part of Livingston counties.
Borrello released this statement following the election:
“I am honored and extremely humbled that the voters of the 57th District have chosen me to be their voice and advocate in the State Senate. They can be assured that I will devote myself to earning that trust, just as Cathy Young did over her successful 15-year tenure. I am tremendously grateful at the opportunity I have been given to pick up the reins from such a dedicated and hardworking public servant and will work tirelessly to live up to the standard she set.
“As I begin this new chapter, I do so with a deeper perspective on the strengths of our region and the challenges to its future. As I crisscrossed the district over the last several months, I had the privilege of meeting thousands of our residents, from a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences. Nearly all shared a deep concern for the future of Western New York and the Southern Tier. From high taxes and a hostile business climate, to infringement of our rights and freedoms, which are all part of the radical New York City-based political agenda now dominating in Albany, the people of this region believe that our state is heading down the wrong path. Fighting against these damaging policies and proposing common-sense, forward-looking solutions will be my overriding focus in the State Senate.
“I can’t wait to begin this crucial work and I am beyond grateful for this new opportunity to serve our region. In the weeks ahead, I will be working with our county government officials to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure that ongoing projects and efforts are supported and remain on track.
“I look forward to working hard in Albany and here at home for all the constituents across the four counties of the 57th District. This is an exciting new chapter for our region and my thanks go out to everyone whose encouragement, support and conviction made this victory possible.”