Hunter closes in on win in Orange County Legislature race; Benton not conceding

TOWN OF NEWBURGH - Democrat Stephen Hunter appears headed to a victory over incumbent Leigh Benton in the Orange County Legislature race in District 16.

According to Hunter, he leads Benton, a Republican, by a count of 1998 to 1981 votes after absentee and affidavit votes were counted by the Board of Elections (BOE) this week. The BOE will conduct a recount next week, before the votes are certified.

District 16 encompasses the northern part of the Town of Newburgh, including areas such as Balmville, Vails Gate and parts of the City of Newburgh.

Hunter said he is confident that the recount will confirm his victory, while Benton has not conceded the race and is waiting for the official certification.

“I’m grateful to the voters of District 16 for their support,” Hunter said. “I look forward to representing their interests on the Orange County Legislature.”

The race was one of the closest in Orange County, with initial Election Day results showing a tight contest between the two candidates. The final outcome will be determined after the recount and official certification process is complete.