AVERILL PARK, N.Y. – In a tightly contested race for New York’s 43rd State Senate district, Democratic candidate Devin Laver announced his victory over Republican Jake Ashby. The final tally, posted on the New York Board of Elections website, shows Laver leading by a razor‑thin margin of 81 votes, with 99.9% of the precincts reporting.
Vote count and campaign reflections
“As the final votes are counted, it is now clear that I will be the next State Senator representing New York’s 43rd Senate District,” Laver said in a statement released to local media. “I am incredibly honored by the confidence voters across the district have placed in me. This victory belongs to the voters and organizations who have put their trust in me and built the momentum behind our people‑powered campaign in this decades‑long held Republican district that is ready to have pragmatic leadership in Albany.”
Laver added that he looks forward to representing every resident and addressing the affordability and infrastructure concerns he highlighted throughout his campaign. “I am deeply grateful for your vote, now let’s get to work!” he concluded.
Election night and reporting
The announcement came a week after Election Night, during which the Associated Press had not yet called the race. The Board of Elections’ online results show Laver with a slim lead, a figure that underscores how every vote mattered in this competitive district.
Jake Ashby’s campaign declined a request for comment from CBS6, leaving the Republican side without an official response at this time.
District background
The 43rd Senate district, which includes parts of Saratoga, Washington and Warren counties, has historically leaned Republican. Laver’s win marks a notable shift, suggesting that voters are responding to his focus on pragmatic solutions to local challenges such as rising housing costs, transportation needs, and the upkeep of aging infrastructure.
Local political observers note that the narrow margin reflects a broader trend of increasingly competitive races in upstate New York, where demographic changes and shifting economic concerns are reshaping the political landscape.
What’s next?
With the certification of results expected in the coming weeks, Laver will prepare to assume office at the start of the next legislative session. He has pledged to work closely with community leaders, business owners, and faith‑based organizations to ensure that the district’s voice is heard in Albany.
Voters and interested residents can follow upcoming town‑hall meetings and outreach events announced by Laver’s office on his campaign website and social media channels.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
