Democrats endorse St. Jean Tard for 2nd district

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Erie County Democratic Party has endorsed Taisha St. Jean Tard to represent the county's second district.

St. Jean Tard is currently the chief of staff for the Buffalo Common Council. The second district seat will soon be vacated by April Baskin, who was elected to replace Tim Kennedy as state senator for New York's 63rd District.

“As council chief of staff, I’ve helped shape a legislative agenda that directly affects the lives of the people of Buffalo, which included working directly with Chair Baskin on several critical issues,” St. Jean Tard said in a statement. “With today’s endorsement, I have the rare opportunity to continue that work by pursuing my own vision of what our great city can and should be. And that begins by listening to the community and learning from parents, business owners, educators, and all the stakeholders I will represent."

The Democrats said they will request the legislature to appoint St. Jean Tard to fill the vacancy, and that she will be the party's endorsed candidate next November. The primary for the seat isn't until June.

St. Jean Tard, 29, is a life-long Buffalo resident. She attended Leonardo da Vinci High School, Medaille College and St. Bonaventure University.

“Building the next generation of elected leaders is always a top priority, which is why we embraced April Baskin seven years ago," Democratic Party chair Jeremy J. Zellner said. "With Taisha St. Jean Tard, we are taking yet another step in the right direction for the future of our party and, more importantly, this community.”