Democrat Antonio Delgado was elected as NY-19 congressional district representative on Nov. 6, winning 50.7 percent of the vote. He unseated incumbent John Faso (R-Kinderhook), who received 46.6 percent of the vote, in what was one of the country’s most contested races.

Though Faso won more votes in Dutchess and Rensselaer counties (14,261 and 14,502, respectively), Ulster County accounted for a majority of Delgado’s win. The county cast 40,680 votes for Delgado, while 24,187 votes were cast for Faso. In total, 113,189 votes were cast for Delgado and 104,064 votes were cast for Faso with 83 percent of precincts reporting.

“As your congressman, I recognize that not everybody in this district voted for me,” said Delgado during his acceptance speech at the Senate Garage in Kingston. “But I aim to serve those individuals no less than anyone did.”

The first-time representative’s campaign focused on healthcare, jobs, tax policy and education. Delgado said he’d fight for a healthcare system that guarantees affordable care for patients with pre-existing conditions, something he says Faso’s healthcare plan fails to include, and addresses rising premiums and deductibles.

Delgado overcame the campaign put on by his opponent which focused on Delgado’s past as a rapper. The National Republican Congressional Committee routinely aired ads using some of Delgado’s explicit lyrics. This tactic was called out by Delgado supporters and Democrats as race baiting the election.

“No matter how nasty, how ugly, how hateful the attacks, we continue to believe in the goodness, in the decency, and in the humanity of us all,” said Delgado.

Regional races

State Senate 39th District In a heated race to replacing retiring State Senator Bill Larkin, Democrat James Skoufis defeated Republican Thomas Basile by a margin of 35,790 – 29,459.

State Assembly 104th District In the race to succeed the late Frank Skartados who passed away in April, Democrat Jonathan Jacobson defeated Republican Scott Manley by a margin of 20,293 – 13,578. Jacobson, a Newburgh City Councilman, had unsuccessfully challenged the late Judy Kennedy for mayor two years ago. Manley, a retired Town of Newburgh Police Officer, is a member of the Newburgh Town Council.

Ulster County Sheriff In a hotly contested race, Democrat Juan Figueroa ousted incumbent Republican Paul Van Blarcum, 37,520 – 33,202.