Kirsten Gillibrand was appointed to the seat by Governor David Paterson in 2009, and was officially elected in a special election on November 2, 2010. Senator Gillibrand sought re-election for a full term against Republican attorney Wendy E. Long, who defeated Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and U.S. Representative Bob Turner in a primary election for the Republican Party nomination.Three Challengers Of Senator Gillibrand Reach The Primary Ballot, NY1, March 17, 2012 Sen. Gillibrand was re-elected by a margin of 71.9%-26.7% over Long.
