Democrat Eddie Sundquist was elected the new mayor of Jamestown Tuesday night, and will replace longtime leader Sam Teresi, who did not seek re-election.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet, but it's getting there," Sundquist (D, WOR, IND) said.
Sundquist credits a clean but aggressive campaign for the win, and now looks to tackle the housing issue on day one.
"We have one of the oldest housing stocks in New York state and we need to get aggressive with both code enforcement and working with our community partners," said Sundquist.
Thanks to a large early-voting lead, and a roughly 45% turn out in the city Tuesday, Sundquist took close to 50% of the vote, while Libertarian candidate Andy Liuzzo finished third with more than 11%, leaving Republican candidate Dave Wilfong in second place with close to 39%.
"I thought we would have fared better to be honest with you. The people of the City of Jamestown have spoken, and they elected Eddie Sundquist. And I'm perfectly fine with that," Wilfong (R, CON) said.
Wilfong spent part of the day picking up campaign signs.
He says Sundquist needs to continue to work hard to successfully bring the city together.
"Be yourself. Surround yourself with good people. Because that's what we've got to do. We've got to get people involved. Eddie Sundquist can change the City of Jamestown. He just can't do it by himself. So, we've got to work together with him," said Wilfong.
"Listen. Listen to what the people are saying. Maybe my voice wasn't the voice they wanted to hear this time," Liuzzo (LTN) said.
Liuzzo tore down his election headquarters Wednesday, and says he was proud of his campaign.
"I don't have any regrets. I met as many people as I could. I was as vocal as I could possibly be. I gave my vision. Voters came out and made their choice," said Liuzzo.
Sundquist, who grew up in Jamestown, will now give up his law practice to take on his new full-time job inside city hall.
"It's absolutely surreal; $35 million budget, 450 employees," he said.
Sundquist will be sworn in January 1.