Incumbent David Gantt Takes Democratic Primary
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: September 14, 2012
The district covers Rochester and parts of Gates.
Assemblyman David Gantt, (D) 137th District, has served the New York State Assembly since 1983.
He won his party's primary against Rochester City School Board member Jose Cruz and Monroe County Legislator John Lightfoot - taking nearly 70-percent of the vote.
The final unofficial results, as reported by the Monroe County Board of Elections, were as follows:
David Gantt 3728, 69%
Jose Cruz 952, 20%
John Lightfoot 519, 11%
Gantt celebrated his win at Club Network on Central Ave. with his campaign staff and volunteers, Rochester Mayor Tom Richards, and Assemblyman Joe Morelle.
He credited the night's win to his numerous volunteers who helped to encourage people to get to the polls.
He said he was appreciative of the competition with the other candidates.
Gantt is candid that his temper can sometimes flare, but following his win he showed an emotional side explaining what drives him.
"I went to college, I had to quit because I didn't have the money. And I said to myself and others, that should not happen. If the kids can perform, we ought to be able to help," said Assemblyman David Gantt, through tears.
Green Party candidate Drew Langdon is expected to face-off with Gantt.
He sent an email following the primary results saying, " Today, Mr. Gantt prevailed against two challengers within his party. I'd like to congratulate him on his success. However, the fact remains that many voters are unsatisfied with the vision for Rochester that Mr. Gantt has brought us for nearly 30 years. I look forward to continuing my campaign and providing an alternative in November to the status quo that Gantt's time in office represents."
Gantt said he is unphased by the competition in November.
