Albany

Kathy Sheehan waltzed into the mayor's office Tuesday night, unofficially garnering more than 80 percent of the vote to become the city's first new mayor in two decades and first woman in the city's 327-year history to hold that title.

After a resounding victory in the Democratic primary, Sheehan was deemed heir apparent to Jerry Jennings, who had served since 1993. At the Albany County Democrats' party at the Polish Community Center there was jubilation for her victory over Republican Jesse Calhoun, Conservative Joseph Sullivan and Green Party candidate Teresa Portelli, as well a pair of write-in candidates who participated in a series of campaign debates.

"It does feel good," Sheehan said of the end of the campaign trail. "It was really great, but I'm glad that it's over."

The 49-year-old city treasurer joins the mayors of Syracuse and Rochester in an elite club.

"New York state is not among the top states for women," Sheehan said. "When you think about the fact that only 13 of the 100 largest cities in the country are run by women and now we're going to have women running three of our large cities upstate, I think that it's a really exciting time for women in politics."

Jennings announced in May he would step down at the end of his fifth four-year term. At Tuesday night's party, the mayor wished the Democratic Party winners well as he mingled with longtime supporters without the spotlight shining.

"I wish everyone the best of the luck. It's a job that's challenging, and we all should work together and do what's best for the city," Jennings said.

As Jennings departs, he leaves behind a proposed budget that Sheehan has been critical of. She acknowledged the budget is likely to pass but said working to make the city affordable while building up the reserves is key.

"We've got to get our arms around the budget," she said. "We've got to engage labor, we've got to engage residents, we've got to engage the state and the region in a conversation around how we're going to fund our city and continue to provide services to our residents and to the many people who come here."

In voting in Sheehan, Albany kept a Democrat in power. Voters also kept the Common Council Democrat dominated in all 15 wards.

Carolyn McLaughlin was re-elected as Common Council president, and eight incumbents also kept their seats, but the Common Council's makeup will shift significantly as seven new members were elected Tuesday night.

Incumbent winners include Ronald Bailey in the 3rd Ward; Richard Conti in the 6th Ward; Catherine Fahey in the 7th Ward; Leah Golby in the 10th Ward; Michael O'Brien in the 12th Ward; Daniel Herring in the 13th Ward; Joseph Igoe in the 14th Ward; and Frank Commisso in the 15th Ward.

Most won handily except for Bailey, who received 57 percent of the vote after write-in candidate Joyce Love challenged him.

New members elected to the council include Dorcey Applyrs in the 1st Ward; Vivian Kornegay in the 2nd Ward; Kelly Kimbrough in the 4th Ward; Mark Robinson in the 5th Ward; Jack Flynn in the 8th Ward; Judy Doesschate in the 9th Ward; and Judd Krasher in the 11th Ward.

In the Albany Board of Education race the winners were incumbent Sue Adler and newcomer C. Anthony Owens, who earned four-year terms. Voters also approved a capital reserve fund to offset construction and maintenance costs.