Seward cruises to victory in State Senate race

Senator James Seward with his wife, Cindy, addressing supporters during a victory celebration at his campaign headquarters in Oneonta (photo provided).

Senator James Seward with his wife, Cindy, addressing supporters during a victory celebration at his campaign headquarters in Oneonta (photo provided).

ONEONTA, N.Y. — New York State Senator James L. Seward (R-Oneonta) captured nearly 70 percent of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Jermaine Bagnall-Graham in a landslide victory.

Seward received 78,396 votes (68%) to Bagnall-Graham's 28,669 votes (25%). In Cortland County, about 70 percent of registered voters cast their ballots for Seward.

At his campaign headquarters in Oneonta Wednesday night, Seward thanked his family and his supporters.

"I am thrilled and humbled with the victory and look forward to continuing the strong partnerships I have developed with the people of the 51st Senate District," Seward said.

With the victory, Seward enters his 16th term in office. He was first elected to the State Senate in 1987.

The 51st State Senate District is made up of all or parts of Cortland, Cayuga, Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Otsego, Schoharie, Tompkins and Ulster counties.

See also: 2016 Election Results - Cortland County