Democrat Sam Roberts soundly defeated Republican John Sharon with 67 percent of the vote to win a second term as Syracuse assemblyman.
The two candidates were vying for the state's newly designated 128th Assembly District [10] that represents the towns of Salina, Onondaga, DeWitt and parts of Syracuse.
Known for his personable character, Roberts always seems eager to interact with his constituents.
“They’re my bosses,” Roberts said. “They’re the ones that send me to represent them, not to represent Sam Roberts.”
His final week of campaigning was a marathon of church brunches, meet-and-greets and gatherings around his district.
“I’m everywhere,” Roberts said. “Folks invite me to things and I actually come. I even shock the people when I come." Roberts mentioned an invitation to a Conservative Party dinner and their disbelief to see him there.
“Well, you invited me so I came,” he recalled telling the organizers.
Roberts believes that the most important thing in life is to not forget where you came from. Being a good politician, he said, means being accessible to his constituents.
“I like to get out there and see the people.” Roberts said.
Throughout his campaign, Roberts advocated unified campaigning to strengthen the Democratic Party’s presence in Syracuse. Roberts delivered his fellow Democratic candidates’ pamphlets while walking door-to-door, put up their signs, and attended events with them.
The public appears to have responded favorably to Roberts and the party’s campaigning. The Democratic Party won twice as many seats compared to Republicans—12 to 6—during this year’s election.