SALT LAKE CITY - (ABC 4 News) - "I'm humbled and greatly appreciative to the delegates of the second district. This is a tremendous honor, and I am looking forward to serving in the senate, and I am excited about the possibilities we have in this state," said Jim Dabakis after a narrow win Saturday.
The Utah Democratic Party elected Dabakis to replace Ben McAdams's as state Senator. Ben McAdams was elected as Salt Lake County Mayor after beating Mark Crockett in November.
"It’s almost impossible to fill the shoes of this great man who was the Senator, and managed to cross so many bridges,” Dabakis said about McAdams.
Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon was in the final running, and lost to Dabakis by only 6 votes.
Dabakis is currently Utah's Democratic Party Leader, a position he doesn't plan to give up now that he is a state Senator.
"I will keep my day job in the party, and then I will go and serve my state in the Senate,” explained Dabakis.
Delegate Weston Clark shared why Dabakis got his vote.
"I think Jim is gonna be aggressive on public education. I’m a former public school teacher. I’ve got a 2-year-old," explained delegate Weston Clark.
I think it’s fair to say that this is the most progressive district in the state, and this affords a Senator the opportunity to speak on some of the more progressive issues," Dabakis said.
“Gay Marriage is very important. I want somebody there that has a voice for my community, “ says Clark.
Jim Dabakis will finish McAdams's term, which is 2 more years, and then would need to be reelected.
