COLUMBIA COUNTY, N.Y. (WNYT) – Undersheriff Jackie Salvatore was elected Columbia County sheriff – the first Black woman to lead a sheriff’s department in New York state.
Salvatore, the Democratic candidate, defeated Republican John Rivero, who was a retired sheriff’s lieutenant. Salvatore had 58% of the vote, according to unofficial returns.
Salvatore is also a 28-year veteran of New York State Police.
During the campaign, both candidates believed the opioid crisis is among the biggest issues. Salvatore said that they did community conversations on the issue, and what came out of what was families were not aware of the services that were available.
Incumbent Sheriff Donald Krapf did not seek re-election.
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