The Onondaga County 10th District Legislator race has been called, according to the Onondaga County Board of Elections.
Democrat Elaine Denton defeated Republican incumbent Mark Olson, flipping the seat in favor of Democrats. Denton secured just over 55% of the vote, beating Olson by nearly 800 votes. Olson received 44.47% of the vote.
Denton is a former town councilor, graphic designer and community organizer. She centered her campaign platform on increasing government transparency and prioritizing spending on affordable housing, mental health services and infrastructure.
She criticized county leaders for funding expensive projects, opposing the plan for the $86 million aquarium in Syracuse while issues like homelessness and housing safety continue to affect residents.
"The fact that we spend $100 million on an aquarium in this time when people ... want to see their money spent helping people," said Denton. "Maybe not so much on our wants, more on our needs."
Denton said she plans to advocate for fiscal accountability and more substantial investment in programs that directly support Onondaga County families.
She said her first policy priority when she takes office will be aimed at gerrymandering.
"Making sure that our poltiicans are not drawing the lines," said Denton. "That we're ready when that process comes up again [and] make sure that process is fair and ew get fair amounts."
Mark Olson has been the incumbent since 2022, serving two consecutive terms. He previously served as the Mayor of the Village of Fayetteville for 20 years.
Denton's victory marks one of several key wins for Democrats in this year’s county elections.
