Monica Martinez Triumphs In New York's 3rd Senate District Race

LONG ISLAND, NY — The voters have spoken and in a dramatic win, Monica Martinez, a Democrat, has emerged victorious over opponent Dean Murray, a Republican, in New York's 3rd Senate District race.

Martinez, a Suffolk County legislator, took the lead over Murray by a margin of 46,265 to 43,737, according to an unofficial tally by the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

The race was watched closely as the Dems seized the seat, open after Republican New York State Senator Thomas Croci opted not to run for re-election and instead return to active duty in the Naval Reserve.

New York State's 3rd Senate District is made up Mastic, Shirley, Sayville, Patchogue, Medford, Ronkonkoma and parts of Happauge and Brentwood.

Patch courtesy photo.