There's still no clear winner in the 50th Senate District race after staff at the Onondaga and Oswego County Boards of Elections finished a hand recount Wednesday.
Incumbent Democrat Sen. John Mannion's lead shrunk from 51 votes to 47. But the district's results will remain unknown until a judge rules next week on about 180 ballots objected to by the campaigns. Mannion said he's anxiously awaiting the results.
"The people of the 50th need and deserve a senator in place by January first, and the expectation from all parties is that will occur," Mannion said. "Certainly, I respect and support the results of that hand count, and I'm hopeful that my opponent will as well."
Mannion and his Republican opponent, Rebecca Shiroff, said they're grateful for the election workers who recounted more than 120,000 ballots. Shiroff declined interview requests, but did address supporters in avideo posted to social media.
"Thank you so much for all of the support, the messages," Shiroff said in the video. "When I'm out, people are stopping me and saying, 'hey, rooting for you.' I'm just so touched by everything. Thank you so much. Fingers crossed."
Onondaga County democratic elections commissioner Dustin Czarny said in a tweet that State Supreme Court Judge Scott DelConte will begin hearing arguments on the objected ballots starting Wednesday. The hearings could continue into Thursday and Friday.
