New York's 23rd Congressional District: Mitrano wins Democratic primary

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Tracy Mitrano will represent the Democrat party in this November's election for New York's 23rd Congressional District seat after Max Della Pia conceded Tuesday evening.

"I would like to congratulate Tracy Mitrano on her victory in the Democratic Primary," Della Pia said in a statement posted to his campaign's Facebook page. "Although the final results of the primary election will not be certified until at least Thursday, it has become clear that the absentee ballots did not break in our favor."

Unofficial election results showed Max Della Pia ahead of Tracy Mitrano by 26 votes — 7,022 to 6,996 — before the absentee ballots were counted.

Della Pia, 63, of Owego, and Mitrano, 59, of Penn Yan, were among five candidates competing in the primary, which determined who will face Tom Reed, a Republican who has represented the 23rd Congressional District since 2010.

"I believe it is important to begin the work of uniting as a party as soon as possible: that is why I am making this announcement this evening," Della Pia said. "I pledge to her my full support to ensure she defeats Tom Reed this fall."

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According to the state Board of Elections, absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 25 and can be received by county boards until July 3.

Mitrano is a retired university administrator at the University of Massachusetts, lawyer and cyber security specialist.

"This crowded primary election was tough," Mitrano said in a statement on her campaign's Facebook page. "But it also has been a shining example of the energy and renewed civic duty that has broken out across America this year."