Tracy Mitrano announced late Tuesday afternoon that fellow candidate Max Della Pia called her to concede defeat in the primary election for the Democratic party nomination in the 23rd Congressional District.

“Max Della Pia called me this afternoon to concede the NY-23 Democratic Primary,” Mitrano said in a press release. “I thanked Max for stepping up to run and mobilizing a strong base of supporters.”

In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Della Pia said, “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.”

Della Pia had held a significant lead in Tompkins County after polling places closed last Tuesday, but across the district, it was a much closer race that could be decided as absentee ballots were counted. The deadline for absentee ballots to be received by each county board of elections was today. “It has become clear that the absentee ballots did not break in our favor,” Della Pia said.

“I would also like to thank all of the candidates for their courage in taking that extra step and running for office,” Mitrano said in today’s statement. “They saw the challenges facing our District, and devoted their money, hearts, and lives to help the country we all love.”

“Thank you to:

Karl Warrington, who campaigned with real heart;

Charles Whalen, who brought keen analysis;

Rick Gallant, who spoke so powerfully for teachers and unions;

Eddie Sundquist, who so effectively reminded us how this district has been failed by poor congressional leadership;

Linda Andrei, who shined a light on the importance of meaningful healthcare reform; and

Ian Golden, who galvanized the people who have felt disenfranchised from politics.

“Now is the time to heal this district. What we have in common is far greater than that which divides us,” Mitrano said. “This crowded primary election was tough. But it also has been a shining example of the energy and renewed civic duty that has broken out all across our country.”

Mitrano will face Republican incumbent Tom Reed in November’s general election.

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