WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- "The winds of change in Albany are blowing and by God tonight they're blowing from the North," said new State Senator Darrel Aubertine.
In what can only be described as one of the biggest upsets in New York State history, Darrel Aubertine has won. He knocked off heavy favorite Will Barclay by more than 2,500 votes.
Barclay took Oswego County by about 5,700 votes, but Aubertine canceled him out in Jefferson County by beating him by the same margin.
It was Aubertine's 2,500 vote win in St. Lawrence County that put him over the edge.
It's over. In maybe one of the most historic upsets in New York State political history, Democrat Darrel Aubertine has defeated Republican Will Barclay for the State Senate seat in the 48th district. Our Brian Dwyer has been on this race since it started and has the story from both camps as a democrat will be taking over that seat for the first time in more than 140 years.
"Obviously the support came from across party lines. From Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Conservatives, Liberals, everyone was a part of this victory. I'm pleased to represent everyone," said Aubertine.
The win is so historic because in the 48th Senate District, Republicans out number Democrats two to one. Add that to the fact no Democrat has held the seat since the late 1800s and that equals a huge upset.
Aubertine says after Barclay conceded, he had a phone conversation with him.
"The conversation with Assemblyman Barclay went very well. He was very candid and I expressed that I would like to meet with him at his earliest convenience to discuss the issues of concern to him," said Aubertine.
"There's an old saying all politics is local. It turned out this was a very local race. We never were able to get out message out as well as I thought in the North Country," said Barclay, after conceding.
This win also has a huge impact on a state level, as the Republicans now only hold a one seat advantage in the Senate. It's a majority that is in danger of becoming a minority come November.
State Democratic Chairwoman June O'Neill offered this to her Republican counterparts.
"I would be afraid. I would be very afraid," said O’Neill.
Now that this election is over, the next question is will there be a special election for the seat Darrel Aubertine is leaving, the 118th Assembly District?
And the answer to that is quite possibly.
We spoke to two people who could have interest, Jefferson County Legislator Addie Russell, who's got some interest, and Jefferson County Sheriff John Burns, who says he's considering a run.
And there won’t be much sleep for Senator Elect Aubertine. He will be sworn in at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Albany.