In the November 4, 2008 general election, Tonko defeated Republican Schenectady County Legislator James Buhrmaster by a decisive margin. According to the "Times Union", "Tonko's name recognition ... accomplishment in the Legislature, such as the passage of mental health parity legislation, and his record" contributed to his win. He had effectively clinched a seat in Congress in the primary; the 21st had long been the only safe Democratic district in the state outside the New York City, Buffalo and Rochester areas.