CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. -- The race to fill the seat formerly held by State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno leaving Republican Roy McDonald and Democrat Mike Russo to face off in the November election.

"I think I'm a real product of the Capital Region. What the public has seen tonight is what they've seen. I've been the Supervisor of the Town of Wilton. And the County Supervisor Chairman," McDonald said.

McDonald, an Assemblyman who largely ran on his experience beat former Town of Nassau Supervisor Ray Seney. McDonald had the backing of prominent local Republicans beating Seney with 85 percent of the vote.

"To watch these people turn out and vote for me is a humbling experience. The only regret I have is my parents aren't alive to see it," said McDonald.

Just down the road it was Democratic candidate Mike Russo claiming victory with about 66 percent of the vote to beat Brian Premo. Even as he knows he looks at an uphill battle with more registered Republicans in the district than Democrats.

"People are more independent than ever before. They don't want to be pegged red or blue," said Russo.

Of course it wasn't just, just a big night for the candidates themselves but for the state balance of power going forward. That's because the Republicans only have a slim majority in the Senate holding 31 to 29 seats.

"I'm kind of partial now. I want to see upstate represented. I think my party needs to keep the state senate to protect upstate New York. It's critical. We need a multi-party system. We need loyal opposition," McDonald said.

"In order to give the people a voice we really need to carry it on in November," Russo said.