ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Hundreds gathered as the Albany County Democratic Party Committee announced their endorsed candidates for 2024.
The night kicked off with longtime senator Neil Breslin receiving a standing ovation for his work at the New York State Senate. He will be retiring at the end of the year.
“I wanna thank each and every one of you here because I could not be elected alone," he said. "You worked hard, you did all of the work humanly possible. And the fact you could get me through 28 years, the world is ahead of you.”
To take over his seat, officials endorsed New York Assemblywoman Pat Fahy. But before the motion could be officially passed, one person was hoping to throw his hat into the ring.
“So, therefore, I respectfully submit my name for consideration for endorsement,” Aaron Mair said.
But that was short lived. Mair was denied since his submission was part the deadline.
“I, too, wish that there was a little bit more time in the process," Fahy said. "But I more than respect that this was a difficult decision for Senator Breslin. And I will work hard every single day to try to fill those shoes.”
“What you saw tonight is quintessential, old fashioned, democratic," Mair said. "What they call the machine politics where the insiders get taken care of and those of us who care about democracy, who have great ideas, who have a lot to contribute, are left on the outside.”
Mair said there should have been a better process to get names of those who were interested. He said he still plans to canvass for support. In the meantime, Fahy's campaign will kick off on Saturday in Albany.
An endorsement for Albany County District Attorney David Soares was noticeably missing on Tuesday. The incumbent is caught up in a scandal after giving himself a $22,000 bonus, a move some said violates the law. Soares announced Monday night that he’s giving the money back, but the damage may be done with his own party.
Party officials said others have shown interest in running in a primary against Soares, and they will consider one of them. Sources confirm that Attorney Lee Kindlon is considering putting his name in front of the Executive Committee for consideration to be the endorsed Democratic candidate.