Cecilia Tkaczyk led by just 139 votes on election night, necessitating a recount. After recounting all counties, including absentee and affidavit ballots, Republican Assemblyman George Amedore led by just 111 votes with 875 challenged ballots remaining unopened. [1] After recounting less than half the challenged ballots, Amedore's lead shrank to just 39 votes. Amedore declared victory, and his victory was certified by judicial authority, but Tkaczyk appealed the decision on the remaining 450 ballots, insisting that, as they are primarily in Democratic leaning areas and Republican challenges, if they are counted, she would win the seat.[2] An appeal over 99 of the remaining 450 ballots, 90 of which were in Democratic leaning Ulster County, went to the New York Court of Appeals, the highest Court in the State. Tkaczyk prevailed and the ballots were opened on January 18, 2013. When the ballots were opened, Tkaczyk emerged as the winner.[3]
