BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a historic win, April Baskin has been elected as the first woman of color to represent Buffalo in the New York State Senate.
Baskin, a lifelong Buffalo resident and chair of the Erie County Legislature, secured a decisive victory in the race for the 63rd District Senate seat, defeating Republican challenger John “Jack” Moretti Jr. by a 66% to 34% margin. Her victory marks a significant milestone in Buffalo’s political history, as she becomes a trailblazer for women and people of color in local government.
A Groundbreaking Election Victory
April Baskin’s election to the New York State Senate is a landmark achievement not only for her but also for Buffalo and the broader Western New York region. She is the first woman of color to hold this position, reflecting a shift toward greater diversity and inclusion in the state legislature. Baskin ran for the seat previously held by now-Congressman Timothy Kennedy, who congratulated her on her win, recognizing her as a leader capable of addressing key issues in the region.
“I can’t wait for her to work with me as my successor in the Senate,” Kennedy said. “She’ll be joining Senator Sean Ryan in the New York State Senate, continuing the work of advocating for our community.”
Baskin’s Commitment to the Community
Baskin’s victory speech focused on her commitment to advocating for the peoplhttps://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/san-francisco-mayor-london-breed-concedes-race-2024-election/e of Buffalo, Lackawanna, and Cheektowaga. Drawing from her experience in the Erie County Legislature, she emphasized the importance of collaboration, compassion, and determination in leadership. Baskin vowed to bring real change to Albany and improve the lives of residents by tackling issues like affordable housing, job creation, and neighborhood safety.
“My only mission is to take everything that’s important to you and your family out of state government,” Baskin said, pledging to use her position to secure positive outcomes for her constituents. She promised to ensure that every resident in her district would have a voice in shaping the future of their community.
A Longstanding Leader in Buffalo Politics
Before running for state senate, Baskin built a strong reputation as a dedicated public servant. She was born and raised in Buffalo and earned a degree from Buffalo State University. In 2017, she ran for the Erie County Legislature and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the legislature’s chair in 2019. Baskin’s background in local government has given her deep ties to the community, and she intends to use her extensive experience to address the needs of the district.
“I am dedicated to representing every single person and making sure that every single resident has a seat at the table,” Baskin said. Her message of inclusion and dedication resonated with voters, ultimately securing her place as the new voice for the 63rd District in the New York State Senate.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for April Baskin?
As she prepares to take office in Albany, April Baskin’s vision for the future of Buffalo and its surrounding areas is clear. She intends to continue working toward a brighter future for the community by collaborating with fellow lawmakers and ensuring that the voices of her constituents are heard. Her victory is seen as a sign of hope for a more inclusive and effective government in Western New York.
“I vow to continue to work hard and make sure that good things get done to change your quality of life,” Baskin assured her supporters during her victory speech. With her leadership and dedication to her community, April Baskin is poised to make a lasting impact in the New York State Senate.
