PENN YAN — From public endorsements to hosting fundraisers, the one-time rivals in the Democratic Primary have offered their support to Tracy Mitrano in her bid to lead New York’s 23rd Congressional District.
On Aug. 8, Mitrano was certified as the winner of June’s cliffhanger primary contest in a crowded democratic field of five candidates. She will face Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, this election cycle.
Now, support from all of her former opponents has been reaffirmed.
Two former candidates, retired cardiologist Linda Andrei and Ithaca small business owner Ian Golden, yesterday held a fundraiser for Mitrano, while Owego veteran Max Della Pia met with Mitrano at her home and offered to help with the campaign.
“There are many reasons I support Tracy Mitrano for Congress,” said Della Pia, who led election night voting by 26 votes before falling behind Mitrano when they started counting absentee ballots. “One very important reason is because Tracy will stand up for us rather than for the special interests of out-of-district campaign donors.”
At the fundraiser, Andrei noted the challenge Mitrano faces; Reed has held the seat for six years, in a district with more Republican than Democratic registered voters. But Andrei and Golden both expressed optimism about the outcome in November, citing Mitrano’s “powerful district-centric message” and and a “wide dissatisfaction” with the Republican incumbent.
Mitrano, a native Western New Yorker, is a cybersecurity expert and mother of two.
“It’s gratifying that, after an incredibly challenging primary, all of the candidates are united in our effort to defeat Tom Reed,” Mitrano said. “I’m honored to have their support. Each of them brought important ideas to the discussion, and it has made me a stronger candidate.”
Chautauqua attorney Eddie Sundquist, the fifth candidate in the primary race, also publicly vowed to help Mitrano.
“Ms. Mitrano was chosen to be that voice for people here,” Sunquist told Jamestown’sPost Journal in a profile published Aug. 12. “I’m excited to assist her and the Democratic Party and moving that forward.”
All candidates except Andrei also attended a Democratic Congressional Unity Rally at Olean’s Lincoln Park on July 14 in support of Mitrano.
