Jenna L. Kelley appeared on her way to securing the Republican nomination for Allegany County treasurer Tuesday night.

Kelley, who has served the past 12 years as deputy treasurer in Belmont, had more than 73% of the vote reported by county elections officials late Tuesday over former county legislator Adam B. Cyr.

Kelley, who has also served the past eight years as West Almond town tax collector, enjoyed widespread support from the GOP establishment in the county while she was endorsed by current Treasurer Terri Ross, who is retiring at the end of 2025.

Cyr is a business owner and served as a legislator representing the county’s District III after being elected in 2021. His seat was vacated by the county Board of Legislators early this year after he moved from Bolivar to the town of Andover, which is in Legislature District IV.

County lawmakers cited Section 30 of the New York State Public Officer’s Law and an Allegany County local law that indicates legislators who change their addresses to outside a legislative district vacate their positions. Cyr alleges his seat was vacated in retaliation for his no votes on some matters and for announcing his run for treasurer against the wishes of the county GOP — all 15 members of the county legislature are Republican.

Kelley touted her experience and understanding of governmental financial management in declaring herself the best candidate.

“My primary goal is to ensure the financial stability of our county,” she said leading up to Tuesday’s primary. “In a landscape where financial regulations and fiscal responsibilities are increasingly complex, leveraging outside expertise has become a crucial strategy. Collaborating with specialized firms allows us to tap into targeted knowledge and skills that bolster our financial management efforts.”

By engaging with external professionals, Kelley added, the county can enhance its financial operations and responsibly govern while managing taxpayer resources.

“As county treasurer, I will prioritize transparency and accountability,” she said. “I believe that taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent.”

The Allegany County Republican primary included five candidates on the ballot to earn the GOP’s three nominations to represent District 3 on the county Board of Legislators, which includes the towns of Alma, Bolivar, Independence, Genesee, Scio, Willing and Wirt.

Candidates Ricky L. Whitney, Charles Bessette and Bill Meunier were the leading vote getters, unofficially, late Tuesday. Bill Dibble and Ethen T. Marble are the other candidates. Bessette was appointed to fill a vacancy in March. Dibble previously represented the district, Whitney served as county sheriff and Meunier is a town of Independence board member and deputy supervisor.

Incumbents Debra Root and Dwight Fanton are not running for reelection.