ELIZABETHTOWN – Essex County District Attorney Kristy Sprague has become the first woman in county history to win election to Essex County judge, defeating Lake Placid attorney 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 Democratic and Working Families candidate, 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 appointed to the New York State Court of Claims. He did not petition to appear on the ballot, but continued to fill the candidate vacancy left by Quinn upon his departure.
Sprague received 64 percent of the vote in the election and said she felt honored that voters chose 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 incredible. It shows how hard we worked and how much confidence the voters had in me and my proven track record.”
The 52-year-old Sprague’s first term as prosecutor began in 2010.
“I hope to continue my public service in the same manner I have for the past fourteen years, with integrity, honesty and compassion,” she said. “Being a judge has always been a dream of mine and to have had the opportunity to grow into this next role in my home country, where I was born and raised, is simply surreal. I hope that my transition to the bank will be easy and that I will receive a lot of help from everyone involved.”
TRANSITION
The current Essex County Judge, Richard Meyer, is approaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 for lawyers and has not sought re-election. He served two ten-year terms.
Sprague will work with Judge Meyer to ensure a smooth transition.
“I am ready for what lies ahead and my education 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 required to fulfill this position. As always, I’m starting hard. It will be my privilege.”
It took a lot of hard work from volunteers, the Essex County Republican Party Committee and its elections team, Sprague said.
“A special thank you to committee members, friends and new friends who helped collect signatures, pass out signs and get votes,” she said. “Of course a big shout out and thank you to my family who have encouraged and supported me unconditionally, regardless of the task ahead. Thanks to all of them, I am now the first woman elected as a judge in Essex County.”
She said she cannot discuss specific transition plans, but will share details as things progress.
“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 in our future endeavors. I am willing and excited to make this progress and look forward to what will hopefully be a positive and encouraging transition. I look forward to serving my county with integrity and honesty as their next Essex County judge.”
Sprague said Kennelly hasn’t called her yet to admit it, but his statements in the media have been positive.
“I would like to express my gratitude for his kind words, appreciate his congratulations and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” she said.
WISH SPRAGUE GOOD
Kennelly held town halls and other campaign events to try to get his candidacy in front of voters.
“Despite my loss, I would like to thank all my supporters,” he said by email Wednesday morning. “I look forward to diligently representing all of my clients and spending more time with my family.
“I wish Kristy Sprague the best of luck 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 district attorney who will serve until a special election is held in 2025.
There was one year left in her term.
