Democrats from all over Monroe County gathered Wednesday night where they elected Brittany Wells to replace chairperson Jamie Romeo, who is running for the New York State Assembly. They also celebrated a growing party.

“We know we’re still energizing, we know voters out there want to be engaged, they want to have these conversations about their civic role in government," Romeo said. "And they’re participating more in voting and campaigns, and that’s a great thing to see.”

Romeo says their party has been building on momentum since before the 2016 election.

“We know that this is long term growth, not just something we’re seeing out of a blue wave,” Romeo said.

The latest numbers show registered Democrats up by nearly 76,000 since 2012, growing from 110,206 to 186,133 voters.

This is compared to Republicans who have only gained 7,600 in the same time, actually losing 2,000 registered voters since the 2016 election. They currently sit at 128,080 registered voters.

“It’s a factor of the state. The state is a very blue state, and it’s getting bluer. Because a lot of the folks that were enrolled Republicans have moved to lower tax states," said Bill Reilich, Monroe County Republican chair. "One of the biggest concerns in our states is the high rate of taxes."

However, despite the enrollment disadvantage, Reilich says they’re ready for the midterms.

“You put the best candidates forward, which we’ve done, and the people in the past have recognized that," Reilich said. "And I think they’re going to continue to recognize the level of government that we provide, the representation that we send to Albany.”

He says their plan to bring growth back to their party is getting more Republicans in office.

“We have a great deal of confidence that voters understand the difference between out of control spending, and people that are fiscal conservatives.” Reilich said.

With new leadership, Romeo hopes it’s the Democrats that are able to continue carrying their momentum forward in the county.

“She’s going to be a great chair, and we are really looking to all the great things we’re going to be able to accomplish together," Romeo said. "We’ve been coming together the last couple years, and we’ve had a lot of success. And I know we have a lot of success in the future for us as well.”

The deadline to register to vote is Friday, October 12. Election day is Tuesday, November 6.