When President Barack Obama was declared the winner of the 57th U.S. presidential election on Tuesday night, it didn’t take long for the jubilant chant of “Yes We Can” to take hold at a Democratic Party gathering in Syracuse.

Some Democratic supporters started to cheer and jump up and down uncontrollably when hearing the news in the Pensabene’s Casa Grande’s main room; others embraced one another and started to cry of joy.

“We’re so proud of our president,” said Mark English, chairman of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, moments before the chant overwhelmed all other activity in the room.

What had started out as a relaxed party atmosphere instantaneously changed after NBC projected Obama to be the winner at 11:15 p.m. The same palpable excitement spread throughout the room in anticipation for the arrival of Dan Maffei shortly after midnight.

At 3:45 a.m., with 99 percent of the vote tallied, Maffei unofficially won in the 24th Congressional District with 48 percent, or 130,508 votes, The Associated Press reported.

“In fact, we do still have some votes to count,” Maffei said. “But at this point, I am confident that when all the votes are counted, I will be your next congressman.”

Members of Syracuse University’s College Democrats also came out to support the party throughout the night.

Colin Crowley, president of College Democrats, said though he was anxious during the day, he woke up with a good feeling and was thrilled with the outcomes of the races.

“We made a clean sweep tonight, and that feels good,” he said with a smile.

Kaycie Miltenberger, vice president of College Democrats, said her feelings were mutual and that she was not surprised because she refused to make any predictions. She joked that the group is definitely having its meeting Wednesday, even if it just involves hugging and high-fiving.

Al Stirpe claimed victory in the 127th State Assembly District race and delivered his acceptance speech earlier in the night. The event also featured many more prominent Democratic figures from the Syracuse community.

Among those in attendance were Mayor Stephanie Miner; Common Council President Van Robinson; Stephen Swift, president of the Syracuse City School District’s Board of Education; and Ed Ryan, Democratic election commissioner.

But most of all, the night proved to be a validation of many members’ volunteer efforts.

Said Miltenberger: “A lot of our Dems have been working really hard on campaigns, both nationally and locally, so I think all of their hard work has really paid off.”

Published on November 7, 2012 at 5:55 am

Contact Dylan: dmsegelb@syr.edu | @dylan_segelbaum