SYRACUSE -- Democrat Stephanie Miner and Republican Steve Kimatian won their parties' respective primaries Tuesday night. Miner, who is her party's designated candidate, defeated three other contenders. Miner received 44% of the vote while Joe Nicoletti received 36%. Alfonso Davis and Carmen Harlow finished with 11% and 9%, respectively. Kimatian defeated Otis Jennings 56% to 44%.

Jennings had the backing of the Onondaga County Republican Party.  Tuesday night, he said he'll stay in the race and keep campaigning. If he had won the primary, it would have been historic. Jennings said, "161 years this city has existed... I'm the first African-American candidate that has been endorsed by either of the major parties and it's disappointing because you feel that you have a talent as an individual to go forward." He'll be on the Conservative Party line this November.

Miner told her supporters at Nibsy's Pub in Syracuse that she is looking forward to a campaign of ideas. She showed little interest when asked whether it was significant that she could be the first female mayor of Syracuse preferring to focus on winning the race regardless of gender.  When asked what she attributes the victory to, Miner said "I think the idea that change can be embraced in the city of Syracuse, that our future is very bright if we embrace innovation in the areas of education, economic development, and keeping our neighborhoods safe."

Steve Kimatian dismissed the idea that he can't win because voter registration favors the Democrats. From his campaign headquarters he said party will not be an issue in the general election campaign.