On Tuesday, America went to the polls. And after being barraged by commercials and campaign flyers, the North Country has chosen to send Elise Stefanik to represent them in Washington. St. Lawrence is located within the 21 Congressional District, which is one of only a handful of competitive congressional districts in the nation. After months of campaigning across New York’s largest congressional district, Stefanik claimed victory on Tuesday night, and received 55.8% of the vote. Stefanik, the Republican candidate, trounced Aaron Woolf, her Democratic rival, who received only 32.6%.
Tuesday’s result in the 21 was a key loss for Democrats. The seat has been held by Democrat Bill Owens since 2009. Prior to Congressman Owens’ election, the seat had been held by Republicans since 1873.Owens, who was respected for his moderate political views, announced his retirement in January of this year, sending both Democrats and Republican into a frenzy as they attempted to locate an adequate candidate who could win such an expansive district.
For both Stefanik and Woolf, this year has not been an easy election. Both candidates faced competition in claiming the Conservative and Liberal voter as their own. Stefanik spent valuable campaign funds early on, when she fought off a Tea Party challenger in June’s Republican primary. Woolf, was less lucky, and ended up sparring with Green Party candidate Matt Funnicello for liberal voters during the general election.
New York’s 21 has more registered Republicans then Democrats. That being said, it could be won by Owens three times, because of his middle-of-the-road beliefs. For numerous St. Lawrence students, on both sides of the aisle, this was a critical election. Devon Gulbrandsen ’15 volunteered with the Woolf campaign starting in February. “We knew it was going to be a tough race from the beginning, but we gave it our best shot,” said Gulbrandsen.
For Republicans, however, Tuesday’s result was greeted with a different response. Nolan Pitkin ’17 who voted for Stefanik stated, “Her tenacity and ambition are exactly what Upstate New York needs, and will show throughout her term in office.” Stefanik, who highlights her moderate viewpoints, has committed herself to being a fiscally responsible Member of Congress who will work to reform the tax code and advocate for reforms to the Social Security system. “Her extensive small business background identifies with many residents who see it as the backbone of the district,” added Pitkin.
When Stefanik prepares to take a place in the House of Representatives in January, she will join a Republican majority in Congress. As a Freshman Member of Congress she will have limited power. However Stefanik has already noted that she would like to serve on the Armed Services Committee and hopes to be a powerful voice for her constituents in Washington. Only time will tell how Stefanik will serve the citizens of New York’s 21.