Democratic candidate Dana Balter fell short of winning New York’s 24th Congressional District on Tuesday night.

Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus), who will be serving his third term in the House, defeated Balter. The 24th District includes all of Onondaga County as well as all of Cayuga and Wayne counties and some of Oswego County. Balter won a slim majority — 50.49 percent of voters — in Onondaga County.

Balter, a visiting assistant teaching professor at Syracuse University, held a watch party at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown with other Onondaga County Democratic candidates. She called Katko to congratulate him on his win but didn’t publicly announce her defeat until 11:40 p.m.

Balter said even though she lost the election, she is proud of the movement her supporters created. Lauren Miller | Asst. Video Editor

“We have done an incredible thing here, and we are a team,” Balter said. “Together we ran a campaign to bring government back to the hands of people where it belongs.”

During the race campaign, Balter was critical of Katko’s involvement with the Syracuse community. At a forum with the two candidates in Syracuse’s South Side in October, Balter said Katko’s “refusal to engage with constituents” is disrespectful.

In April, Balter said when she tried to talk to Katko about health care issues, he was inaccessible. This, Balter said, led her to decide to run for congressional office.

“Although we disagreed on many issues … I admire his dedication to public service, and I hope that he works very hard for us in the new Congress,” Balter said at Tuesday’s watch party.  

Health care was a main focus of Balter’s campaign. She has said she supports a Medicare-for-all program. Balter also advocated for the creation of a “fair” tax policy, stricter gun control legislation and equal access to education.

“This is our political renaissance, and it continues” – Dana Balter pic.twitter.com/b0xrRNRSpp

— India Miraglia (@IndyRow) November 7, 2018

Earlier in the night, Mike Saltzman, of Syracuse, said he did not think there will be a “blue wave” of Democrats winning congressional seats.

Saltzman said he was pessimistic before the night began, and he became more pessimistic as the night went on.

“Katko ran a really strong ground campaign,” he said. He added that he thought Balter’s messaging could have been stronger and more focused.

Balter entered the race in early September 2017. She clinched the Democratic nomination after defeating former Syracuse mayoral candidate Juanita Perez Williams in a June primary.

All the Democratic committees in the four counties that make up the 24th District endorsed Balter. She also received the endorsement of New York state’s progressive Working Families Party and SU’s College Democrats, among other groups.

“Even though we didn’t get the result we wanted tonight, I am so proud of what we have done,” Balter said. “This is more than an election, this is a movement for change.”

People in the audience began to cry during Balter’s concession speech on Tuesday and chanted “Dana!” as she left the stage.

Published on November 7, 2018 at 1:09 am

Contact India: irmiragl@syr.edu