A Republican with a law enforcement background has won a state Senate seat in New York's Southern Tier, replacing a longtime lawmaker convicted of lying to the FBI.
Broome County Undersheriff Fred Akshar defeated Democrat Barbara Fiala in Tuesday's special election, one of five legislative races around the state. Akshar will replace former Republican Sen. Thomas Libous, who lost his seat after his conviction.
Voters were also deciding legislative races in New York City and in the Syracuse area Tuesday.
In Brooklyn, Democratic Assemblywoman Roxanne Persaud had a huge lead over Republican Jeffrey Ferretti late Tuesday in the race to succeed former Democratic Sen. John Sampson, though about half of the votes remained uncounted.
Sampson was also convicted of lying to the FBI.