ELIZABETHTOWN — Essex County District Attorney Kristy Sprague is the first woman in the county’s history to win election as Essex County judge, defeating Lake Placid lawyer Bryan Liam Kennelly.
Sprague, a Republican and Conservative from Moriah, scored 11,231 votes in Tuesday’s General Election to win a 10-year term as judge, while Kennelly, a Democrat and Working Families nominee, received 6,926 votes, according to unofficial results from the Essex County Board of Elections.
LATE START FOR KENNELLY
Kennelly only began his campaign in June, after the previous Democratic candidate, Lake Placid attorney Amy Fisher Quinn, was named to the New York State Court of Claims. He had not petitioned to be on the ballot but went on to fill the candidate vacancy Quinn’s departure left.
Sprague took 64 percent of the vote in the election, and said she’s honored that voters selected her.
“To say I am proud is an understatement,” Sprague said by email Wednesday.
“I am humbled by the amount of support I received and the large margin of victory was unbelievable. It shows how hard we worked and the belief the voters had in me and my proven record.”
The 52-year-old Sprague’s first term as district attorney started in 2010.
“I hope to continue my public service in the same way I have these last 14 years, with integrity, fairness and compassion,” she said. “Being a judge has always been a dream of mine and to have had the chance to progress into this next role in my home county, where I was born and raised, is just surreal. I am hoping my transition to the bench comes with ease and much assistance from everyone involved.”
TRANSITION
Current Essex County Judge Richard Meyer is nearing the state’s mandatory retirement age of 70 for jurists and did not seek reelection. He served two 10-year terms.
Sprague will work with Judge Meyer to make sure there’s a smooth transition.
“I am ready for what lies ahead and my training and experience will guide me just as it has in my 26 years as a public servant,” she said. “I realize the importance of being a judge and respect the duties and professionalism that is required to fulfill this position. Just as always, I will hit the ground running. It will be my privilege.”
It took a lot of hard work by volunteers, the Essex County Republican Party Committee and her election team, Sprague said.
“A special thank you to committee members, friends and new friends who participated in getting signatures, putting out signs and getting the vote out,” she said. “Of course, a huge shout out and thank you to my family who have encouraged and supported me unconditionally, no matter what the task was ahead of us. Because of all of (them), I am now the first female to be elected as the Essex County judge.”
She said she can’t discuss specific transition plans, but she’ll share details when things are further along.
“I also appreciate the fact that as new doors open for me, doors close for others,” she said. “I wish the best for those ending their careers and/or starting new chapters. May we all find contentment with our future endeavors. I am prepared and excited to make this progression and look forward to what hopefully will be a transition that is positive and encouraging. I look forward to serving my county with integrity and fairness as their next Essex County judge.”
Sprague said Kennelly hasn’t called her yet to concede, but his statements in the media have been positive.
“I would like to extend my thanks for his kind words and appreciate his congratulatory comments and wish him well in his future endeavors,” she said.
WISHES SPRAGUE WELL
Kennelly held town halls and other campaign events to try to get his candidacy out to voters.
“Despite my loss, I want to thank all my supporters,” he said by email Wednesday morning. “I look forward to continuing to provide zealous representation to all my clients and spending more time with my family.
“I wish Kristy Sprague well in her new role,” Kennelly said. “I really enjoyed traveling around Essex County and meeting so many new people.”
Sprague will have to resign as district attorney, effective Dec. 31, and the Essex County Board of Supervisors will appoint an interim DA who will serve until a special election is held in 2025.
There was one year left on her term.