Incumbent Katko re-elected for second congressional term

By Lydia Goerner and Natalie Brophy

Republican Representative John Katko has won the race for the 24th congressional district with around 57 percent of the vote on Nov. 8.

“And they said this was a swing district, right?” Katko began his acceptance speech. “Not anymore.”

In his speech at his election party at the Sheraton Hotel in Syracuse, Katko said he wants to make a difference in Washington and to be independent.

“You can be your own person, you can be an independent, you can make things work,” Katko said.

Katko thanked his wife, children and supporters for their role in his re-election. Katko said his job has been difficult on his family.

“You’re away from home a lot,” Katko said. “It’s hard for my teenage boys. But it’s allowed them to see that what we do makes a difference.”

The 24th congressional district includes Onondaga, Cayuga and Wayne counties and the western half of Oswego County, including Fulton and the city of Oswego. Katko promised to continue to work toward positive change in the 24th congressional district.

“I don’t represent republicans, democrats, independents,” Katko said. “I represent all of you. I understand you profoundly.”

Gene Fisch, an acquaintance of Katko’s from Syracuse, said he is registered as an independent voter but strongly supports most of the republican candidates.

“He understands the broad picture,” Fisch said. “He understands the constituency of Central New York. It’s a broad-based constituency with diversity and I think he has a better understanding of that.”

George Herlihy, the Republican party chairman in Pompey, New York, was in attendance supporting all of the republican candidates. He said Katko has done a lot of good for the 24th district.

“I think [Katko has] done a lot that’s been beneficial,” Herlihy said. “He’s very independent minded and very in tune with the needs of his constituents. He’s very representative for the republican party and everyone in his district overall.”

Throughout the night, the winners of positions throughout upstate and central New York were announced. The group was exuberant as poll numbers were updated for local and national elections. During speeches, applause and cheering would break out if new numbers were released favoring Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

When asked whether he regrets separating himself from Trump by refusing to endorse him, Katko said he feels he can “mend any hard feelings.”

“If [Trump] wins tonight, it’s because Hillary Clinton is profoundly flawed,” Katko said. “I mean, let’s face it, he made some hiccups along the way, but he represented the angle people have.”   

Democratic challenger Colleen Deacon’s supporters were in high spirits, enjoying refreshments and chatting with one another as they awaited the results of the 24th district congressional election at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown.

At around 11 p.m., Deacon took the stage at the Onondaga County Democratic headquarters at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown in Syracuse.

She extended her thanks to her supporters, especially her son Adrian, who stood next to his mother onstage.

“Thirteen months ago now I was sitting at home with my son discussing whether or not I wanted to get into this race,” Deacon, a single mother, said. “He told me I had an opportunity to make a difference and that if I didn’t take this opportunity, I would regret it everyday for the rest of my life.”

Deacon said her campaign was all about “making an America that works for everyone.”

“Every voice matters and we must use our voices to encourage those around us to use their voices as well to make Congress work better for everyone, for women and students, for single parents like myself, for seniors, for veterans,” Deacons said. “We must keep fighting to be sure we have a voice in our government and our government works for everyone.”

This was the first time the Syracuse-native ran for public office but she has years of experience working in politics. She worked as the press secretary for Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll and the regional director for Central New York under Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

Frank Malfitano, director of the Syracuse Jazz Festival and Deacon supporter, said he gives Deacon “a lot of credit for taking a run at” Katko.

“I think anytime you’re trying to unseat an incumbent, you have to wage an aggressive campaign,” Malfitano said. “And she did.”

Deacon supporter Joseph Chiarenza, a member of the Dewitt town board, said the loss was a “tough blow” but said Deacon is a “hard worker.”

“Hopefully John Katko is going to do us right in his next term,” Chiarenza said.

Katko said he is excited to return to focusing on his work.

“I just want to represent people,” Katko said in an interview at the end of the night. “I’m going back to work in Washington next week and we’re getting back at it. That’s all I’m concerned about right now.”