Jensen-Bergan leads in Saratoga County Family Court race

PHOTOGRAPHER: Stephen Williams

With more than 60 percent of the vote counted, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Jensen-Bergan was holding a solid lead in the race for Family Court judge Tuesday against Clifton Park Town Justice Robert Rybak.

Jensen-Bergan, a Republican, would be taking the seat formerly held by Judge Gilbert Abramson, who resigned two weeks ago after earlier losing a Republican primary to Jensen-Bergan.

She had 57 percent of the vote to 43 percent for Rybak late Tuesday night. Rybak said he had congratulated Jensen-Bergan, though he hadn’t conceded.

“I have no regrets. I went into this with my eyes wide open,” Rybak said, noting the Republican Party’s countywide enrollment advantage.

Jensen-Bergan could not immediately be reached for comment.

Jensen-Bergan, 52, a part-time assistant district attorney for 15 years, was nominated by GOP leaders after their initial candidate, Erika Reibel of Clifton Park, died unexpectedly on July 27.

Rybak, who celebrated his 58th birthday on Tuesday, has been a Clifton Park town justice for 31 years.

“Things aren’t all perfect in Family Court. There needs to be a change in direction,” Rybak said.

Abramson originally ran for re-election to a new 10-year term but lost the support of party leaders after confirming that he was under investigation by the state Commission on Judicial Conduct. He then lost to Jensen-Bergan in a Sept. 14 primary.

In a separate primary, Rybak defeated Jensen-Bergan for the Conservative party nomination.

On Oct. 13, with the state investigation still pending, Abramson abruptly resigned from office.

The county has two Family Court judges, and Judge Courtenay W. Hall remains. Jensen-Bergan will not take office until Jan. 1.

Family Court deals with issues involving children, including child custody and support, adoption, child welfare, neglect petitions and criminal behavior involving juveniles.

Jensen-Bergan said during the campaign that she had dealt with all aspects of Family Court during her career.

Family Court judges serve a 10-year term at a current salary of $119,800.

Saratoga County Clerk Kathleen Marchione and County Treasurer Samuel J. Pitcheralle, both Republican incumbents, were re-elected without opposition.