Buffalo Public Schools teacher Erik Bohen appears to have won the special election for the State Assembly's 142nd district.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Bohen appears to have defeated Erie County legislator Pat Burke 52 to 48 percent.

Bohen gathered at the Ironworkers Hall in West Seneca for a victory party. He told supporters that the voice of the people was heard when they chose to elect him to the office.

"I'm very optimistic of the future we have in this district and we're going to continue the success in this region and I cannot wait to be your assemblyman,” said Bohen.

Burke addressed his supporters Tuesday night at the Buffalo Irish Center.

He thanked them for having his back during the campaign and conceded to his opponent.

Burke says he isn't going away that easily.

"I knew it was going to be tight. It's very difficult to predict the turn out in special elections, and it didn't go in our favor, and that's OK. It's not life and death. People face that every day. This is a campaign, and fortunately for me, the new campaign starts in six weeks,” said Burke.

Bohen will serve the remainder of the term through January.