New York state Senator Roy McDonald of
Saratoga County has conceded to losing his GOP primary race.
McDonald was among the four Republicans
who last year crossed the aisle to vote with all but one Democrat to
legalize gay marriage in New York, making it the most populous state
yet to do so. Senator Mark Grisanti of Buffalo won his primary with
a comfortable margin, while Stephen Saland of Poughkeepsie claimed
victory with only 107 votes to spare. James Alesi of Rochester, the
fourth senator, retired.
McDonald lost his primary to a more
conservative candidate, Kathy Marchione.
“I am very proud of my time in public
service,” McDonald said in a 3-page statement. “Standing up for
the communities I represented was always my first priority. I have
been a senator for all people.”
The incumbent clung on as officials
began counting paper ballots this week. But he fell further behind
as the week progressed.
Marchione, the Saratoga County clerk,
will face on November 6 an openly gay Democrat who is married, Robin
Andrews.
McDonald said he would not pursue a
third-party bid to hold on to his seat, a move which benefits
Marchione by consolidating conservative votes in her name.
“I believe maintaining the Republican
majority in the New York State Senate will continue to positively
change state government,” he said. “It is important to recognize
the need for checks and balances in our democracy, which can only be
assured by a multiparty system.”