Posted
June 23, 2026 at 11:19 PM EDT
State Sen. Jeremy Zellner came up short against Assemblymember Jon Rivera in New York’s 61st State Senate District Democratic Primary.
State Sen. Jeremy Zellner took to the stage at Britesmith Brewing in Buffalo to thank his supporters and his family.
He has led the Erie County Democratic Committee since 2012, but after Sean Ryan vacated the 61st State Senate seat after election to Buffalo mayor, Zellner secured his committee’s endorsement for a victorious February special election.
That monthslong tenure in the state senate, appears to be ending in January, following tonight’s Democratic primary loss to Assemblymember Jon Rivera.
“It’s all about producing for the community, and that you want to represent. So, again, I know this isn’t the outcome, and I am very appreciative,” Zellner said in his concession speech. “You have no idea of what it means to have people go knock on doors like my cousin Kurt did for 8-10 hours just this weekend. People taking time away from their jobs to go stand at polling places today.
“This is real work. You know what’s not real work? Social media saying horrible, ugly things that gets everybody riled up on social media is not real work. I left my family for four days a week for four months. It was otherworldly, but they bore a big brunt here of service, but I think they learned a lesson that their dad took a chance. That it is worthy to take a chance to get in that arena, and I want them to learn that lesson. That it’s better not to just sit back on your device and criticize, get in that arena and go fight for what you believe in. That’s what we did. I’m proud to have done it,” Zellner said.
The early voting and primary day results showed Rivera the victor, 54%-45% with more than 18,300 votes cast.