ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- One of the more contested races was the Democratic primary in the 138th Assembly District. Three-term incumbent Harry Bronson held off a challenge from former TV news reporter Rachel Barnhart.
Harry Bronson let out a sigh of relief and said it's onto the November general election.
After a rough and tumble primary win over political newcomer Rachel Barnhart, Bronson said voters in the 138th Assembly District know who he truly is and know that he's accessible. Bronson says he's looking to continue fighting for working families. Despite being a three-term incumbant, Bronson says there's still much to learn on the campaign trail.
"When I talk to the families of the 138th Assembly District they tell me the things that they're looking for," said Bronson. "They're looking for good pay, they're looking for job training programs or higher education programs so their children can find work close by so they can stay closer to mom and dad. I learn from them that it's important to be true to your word."
For Barnhart, it was a disappointing night. It was her first political run and former television believed she was going to win. She came close, losing by just 454 votes.
Barnhart says it was a learning experience and quite humbling asking people for their vote. At the end, she said her opponent had a lot more money to spend and that was something Barnhart couldn't overcome.
"We knew we were facing an uphill battle all along but we're really proud of the effort that we made and as close as we came considering that our opponent had five times the cash and also the tenor of the campaign and things that were leveled at me I think did make a difference here," said Barnhart.
Barnhart says she isn't ruling out another political run. Bronson now has his sites set on winning a fourth term in Albany.