2011 Erie County, New York Executive election
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 | ||||||||||||||||||||
November 8, 2011
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
.jpg)
| Elections in New York |
|---|
 |
The 2011 Erie County, New York Executive election took place on November 6, 2011, to select the County Executive of Erie County, New York. Incumbent Republican County Executive Chris Collins ran for re-election to a second term.[1]
Collins was a controversial figure in his first term, drawing criticism for comparing State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Jew, to the anti-Christ and Adolf Hitler,[2] and allegedly making sexually suggestive remarks at the 2010 State of the State address to a female attendee.[3] Though Collins considered a run for Governor in 2010, he ultimately declined to run.[4]
In Collins's bid for a second term, he was challenged by County Controller Mark Poloncarz, the Democratic nominee. Poloncarz ultimately defeated Collins, winning 53 percent of the vote to Collins's 47 percent.[5]
Three candidates appeared likely to seek the Democratic nomination for County Executive: County Controller Mark Poloncarz, County Clerk Kathy Hochul, and State Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak.[6] However, following the resignation of Republican Congressman Chris Lee, a special election was scheduled in New York's 26th congressional district, and local Democrats selected Hochul as their nominee,[7] removing from her from contention for the County Executive nomination.[8]
Poloncarz announced that he would challenge Collins on May 7, 2011,[9] and was endorsed by the Erie County Democratic Party on May 17,[10] ultimately assuring him of the nomination without a primary.
Independence Party primary
Candidates
- Chris Collins, incumbent County Executive[11]
- Richard L. Woll, party activist[11]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | Chris Collins (inc.) | 1,214 | 59.66% | |
| Independence | Richard L. Woll | 821 | 40.34% | |
| Total votes | 2,035 | 100.00% | ||
