Bello defeats Dinolfo, becomes first Democratic Monroe County executive in nearly 30 years

Brian Sharp | Democrat and Chronicle

Show Caption Hide Caption Monroe County election results: Adam Bello says it's a new era of opportunity Adam Bello becomes the first Democratic Monroe County executive in 30 years.

For the first time in nearly 30 years, Monroe County will have a Democratic county executive come January as Adam Bello bested incumbent Cheryl Dinolfo on Tuesday.

Bello eked out the victory with a slim 51 percent majority, according to unofficial vote totals.

"Tonight we begin a new chapter in our community’s history," Bello said during a victory speech at Monroe County Democrats headquarters at the Hyatt downtown.

"We have limitless potential before us," Bello said. "...we must harness this opportunity and commit to working together as one community to tackle the challenges we face and build a successful future, and that means working tirelessly to create new economic opportunities for working families so that everyone has an opportunity to succeed."

The former Irondequoit town supervisor succeeded Dinolfo as county clerk in 2016, after Dinolfo won election to the county executive post. Bello was placed into office by Gov. Andrew Cuomo but won election later that year.

Tom Frey was the last Democrat to be county executive, holding office from 1987-1991.

Republicans appeared likely to retain control of the county Legislature with a narrow 15-14 majority. Some races remained close with absentee ballots yet to be counted.

Dinolfo thanked her family staff and volunteers in her concession speech earlier in the evening.

"The table is set," Dinolfo said. "...I truly believe that we have left Monroe County better than we found it, and while I would have loved all of us to continue to serve the way we have been serving, it didn't work out that way, folks. And so now is the time to wish Adam Bello the very best of luck."

Monroe County election results: Cheryl Dinolfo says serving was an honor Outgoing Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo thanked her supporters and said they leave Monroe County better than they found it.

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BDSHARP@Gannett.com