BUFFALO, N.Y. — April Baskin (D), a lifelong Buffalo native, has been elected to serve as State Senator for New York's 63rd District, encompassing parts of Buffalo, Cheektowaga and Lackawanna. Baskin ran against John "Jack" Moretti Jr (R), a New York State Trooper. The Senate seat was previously held by now-Congressman Timothy Kennedy (D).
The Democratic headquarters was held in downtown Buffalo on Tuesday night for the election. Tim Kennedy and Baskin both celebrated victories. Kennedy won the U.S. Congressional Race for District 26 in New York. Each representative gave speeches following their wins and Kennedy congratulated Baskin on her historic win. Baskin is the first woman of color to ever represent Buffalo in the New York State Senate.
"She understands what matters to people in our region, issues like affordable housing, creating jobs and opportunities, keeping our neighborhood safe," Kennedy said. "She's going to be a champion for our community and I can't wait for her to work with me as my successor in the Senate, but most importantly, as a leader and champ, we all know here in western New York and she'll be joining Senator Sean Ryan in the New York State Senate who's continuing his work."
Baskin was born and raised in Buffalo and attended Buffalo State University before running for the Erie County Legislature in 2017. She has served as Legislature Chair since 2019. She beat out Republican Moretti with 66% of the vote.
"When I go to Albany, my only mission is to take everything that's important to you and every good thing that can happen to you and your family out of state government," Baskin said. "And I vow that I will continue to work hard. Go get the votes and make sure that good things get done to change your quality of life."
During her speech, Baskin focused on bringing her experience in county legislature and her relationships to represent the 63rd district. Baskin also mentioned she believes leadership involves, "collaboration, compassion and a relentlessness to the communities."
"I am dedicated to representing every single person and making sure that every single resident has a seat at the table and I am dedicated to making sure that Albany builds a brighter future for everyone. Everyone that is calling Buffalo, Lackawanna and Cheektowaga their home. Thank you all so much for making me your senator," Baskin said.
Sean Ryan, Patrick Gallivan, Robert Ortt and George Borrello also all won spots on the state senate. They're serving the 61st, 60th, 62nd and the 57th districts, respectively.
WATCH: Victory speech: Kennedy wins reelection to U.S. House in New York's 26th Congressional District
