Mo Brown celebrates his win at the Democratic Party at The Mizpah, 350 Montgomery St., Syracuse., Tuesday evening. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current

As Democrats rode a blue wave to victories, waves of excitement and celebration rippled through a crowd of nearly 300 people gathered Tuesday at The Mizpah in downtown Syracuse where the Onondaga County Democratic Committee held their Election Night watch party. 

Attendees included State Senators Rachel May and Chris Ryan, Assemblymembers Pamela Hunter, Al Stirpe and newly elected Assemblyman Maurice “Mo” Brown, Onondaga County Legislature Chair Nicole Watts and the rest of the county legislature, both incumbents and newcomers. Other officials such as Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens, not on the ballot this year, showed up to support fellow Democrats.

Results trickled in shortly after polls closed at 9 p.m., with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s re-election over Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, her Republican challenger, setting the tone for the night. 

It was shortly followed by the Associated Press declaring Rep. John Mannion’s re-election in the 22nd Congressional District. Soon, May, Brown and Ryan made speeches onstage, declaring themselves winners. 

Check our comprehensive election coverage and results on centralcurrent.org. 

Greg Hayman of Kirkville celebrates the Democratic wins at The Mizpah Tuesday night. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current Credit: Michelle Gabel
State Senator Chris Ryan reacts to the election results Tuesday night during the Democrat election party at The Mizpah, 350 Montgomery St. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current
Democratic Rep. John Mannion (NY-22) addresses the crowd of supporters at the Palladian Hall in Syracuse after his victory in the midterm elections. Credit: David Trotman-Wilkins Credit: David Trotman-Wilkins
Maurice “Mo” Brown celebrates his win at the Democratic Party at The Mizpah in Syracuse., Tuesday evening. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current
State Senator Rachel May celebrates her win during the Democrat election party Tuesday night. With her is Dr. Tatiana C. Parker of Syracuse. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current
Rep. John Mannion talks to supporters at the Palladian Hall in Syracuse after his victory in the 22nd Congressional District election. Credit: David Trotman-Wilkins Credit: David Trotman-Wilkins
Nicole Watts talks with supporters during the Democratic Party at The Mizpah in Syracuse, Tuesday night. The Onondaga County Legislature now has a super majority. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current
State Senator Chris Ryan celebrates his win Tuesday night at The Mizpah in Syracuse. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current Credit: Michelle Gabel
Toby Shelley won the Onondaga County Sheriff’s race Tuesday night. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current Credit: Michelle Gabel
State Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter addresses the crowd during the Democratic election party Tuesday night. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current Credit: Michelle Gabel
State Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter visits with supporters at the Democrat election party Tuesday night at The Mizpah. Credit: Michelle Gabel | Central Current
Republicans had less to celebrate Tuesday on Election Night in Syracuse. A man carries John Lemondes signs at Republican Headquarters at Embassy Suites at Destiny USA. Lemondes, a state assemblyman, trails Democrat Ian Phillips. Credit: Mike Greenlar | Central Current.
Republican congressional candidate Kailee Buller is consoled by Jill Hageman-Clark after conceeding to Rep. John Mannion, who won re-election in the 22nd Congressional District. Buller was at Republican Headquarters at Embassy Suites at Destiny USA. Credit: Mike Greenlar | Central Current.

Debadrita Sur is a multimedia journalist and Report for America corps member who reports on the I-81 project and public housing for Central Current. In 2023, Sur graduated with a master’s degree in journalism...