TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y. — Tompkins County Legislator — and now Democratic Nominee in New York Assembly District 125 — Anna Kelles, issued a statement Tuesday morning accepting the nomination and naming her priorities moving forward.

It was announced on Monday evening that unofficial ballot counts have been completed in Tompkins and Cortland Counties and Kelles has extended her lead over her other six opponents, whom Kelles cited for their efforts during a difficult campaign due to COVID-19.

“I am humbled and honored to accept the nomination of the Democratic Party for the New York Assembly District 125. I wish to recognize the other candidates who ran strong campaigns, and I thank them for their service to our community. This process has been marked by unprecedented challenges,” Kelles said in a statement Tuesday morning. “Early in the process, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down anything resembling traditional campaigning. I sincerely missed having the opportunity to meet with folks in person, to discuss the issues eye-to-eye at your doorsteps. Beyond impacting the campaign process, the COVID crisis has caused mass unemployment and an economic crisis unseen for a century.”

Outlining her top priorities in Albany, Kelles pointed to racial, climate, health care, child care and housing justice as her focus.

“As we go toward the general election, I want to highlight what we’re fighting for, and what’s at stake, noting that each of the issues we face as a community impact our neighbors of color at far higher rates and we must address these inequities,” she said in her statement.

Meanwhile, Kelles says that her current priorities are lifting up other candidates seeking to flip Republican-held seats across the state and, ultimately, the White House, ahead of November’s general election.

“I am eager to get to work in Albany on your behalf. With your help, I won’t be working alone. I plan to work to get Leslie Danks Burke and Jim Barber elected to ensure we have strong progressive Democrats in the New York State Senate. We all must fight to get Tracy Mitrano elected to flip the 23rd Congressional District. In Cortland, we must re-elect Anthony Brindisi to continue fighting for Progressive Values, and most importantly, Democrats at all levels must do everything to ensure that change comes to the White House.”

While NY-125 is considered a solidly-blue district, Kelles will face-off with Republican and Libertarian Nominee Matthew McIntyre, chair of the Cortland County Libertarian Party, in the Nov. 3 general election.