Max Della Pia concedes to Tracy Mitrano in Democratic Primary Race

After a long, fought after run, Owego resident and democratic candidate Max Della Pia conceded the Democratic Primary Election in New York’s 23rd District on Tuesday after partial absentee results gave Tracy Mitrano the lead.

“Although the final results of the primary election will not be certified until Thursday, I believe it is important to begin the work of uniting as a party to defeat Tom Reed. I want to thank everyone who supported me through this year-long, primary process,” Della Pia said in a news release.

This news came after a close primary race, where Della Pia was leading Mitrano on election night by 26 votes. Absentee ballots throughout the district began to be counted Monday and wrapped up Tuesday afternoon. 

“I would like to congratulate Tracy Mitrano on her victory in the Democratic primary,” Della Pia said in a post on his campaign’s Facebook page on Tuesday, adding, “Although the final results of the primary election will not be certified until at least Thursday, it has become clear the absentee ballots did not break in our favor.”

Mitrano, in a press release, stated on her win, “I want to thank everyone who voted in the NY-23 Democratic primary. You are the backbone, the driving force, and the spirit behind our growing movement to put people first. I decided to run for office because of you.”

Della Pia, in his concession, also thanked his family, stating, “First and foremost, I want to thank my wife, Nancy, my children and my grandchildren. Each of them sacrificed something to get me this far. I missed the birth of our third grandchild, Olivia Rose; our 34th wedding anniversary; and time together. As a family, we decided it was worth it to try to make our country better and to serve, one more time. My life has always been about service and I do not regret my choice to run, not for a moment. It was a sacrifice, but it was well worth it.”

Mitrano and Della Pia accounted for nearly two-thirds of all votes cast by Democrats in the 23rd district during this primary election. Linda Andrei was shown with 3,330 votes, Ian Golden accumulated 2,918 votes, and Edward Sundquist had 1,395 ballots cast in his favor on primary night, according to the initial tally.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face incumbent Republican Tom Reed, who has won the 23rd district since it was redrawn to encompass the Southern Tier starting with the 2012 election, in November’s general election.

New York’s 23rd Congressional District includes 11 counties – Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tompkins, and Yates counties in their entirety along with parts of Ontario and Tioga counties.