Stavisky beats Koo, keeps Senate seat

Democrat Toby Ann Stavisky retained her seat in the 16th Senate District after defeating Flushing businessperson Peter Koo, her first formidable opponent throughout her nine years in office. Stavisky captured 69 percent of the vote.
“I’m grateful to my constituents and thankful to be returning to serve the people of the state in a new Senate majority in Albany,” Stavisky said. “I’m particularly proud of the fact that I carried all parts of the district,” she added. Stavisky’s win included Downtown Flushing, a district Koo was hoping to take.
Koo, who owns a chain of pharmacies in Flushing and presides over the Flushing Chinese Business Association, said he congratulates Stavisky. “This was my first try - we knew this was a trial for us,” Koo said.
“My loss is my gain too,” he added, explaining that running for office was a tremendous learning experience for him.
The 16th Senate District encompasses parts of northern and central Queens.