Standing alongside outgoing Congressman Chris Gibson, John Faso declared victory in the 19th District after a race that's been contentious from the start.
"By the turnout today, the American people have said they want us to work together to solve problems," Faso said.
An endorsement from the three-term Congressman was not something Faso took lightly. In fact, he says the relationship they've developed over the years will help him transition into his new role.
"Chris' tenure as our congressman has been superb," Faso said. "He's a model of working across party lines to get things done, and I will work very hard to replicate his approach."
Faso, a Republican, faced off against Democrat Zephyr Teachout for several weeks on issues such as property taxes, the economy, the heroin epidemic and water contamination. But he says it's his experience as an assemblyman and living in Kinderhook for more than three decades that helped him secure the win.
Upstate New York is a great place to live," Faso said, "but we have to work hard to reverse its long-term economic decline, and that's what I'm pledged to do and why I decided to run for this seat."
John Faso also thanked Teachout for her efforts during the race. Teachout spoke to supporters, saying even though they lost, this isn't the end.
"I am so proud of our campaign, because our campaign was built on honest, respectful, grass-roots democracy," Teachout said. "I am so proud of 100,000 doors that were knocked on by people just going door to door putting their heart out there."
Faso says step one starts with thanking the public and building relationships with them, regardless of party affiliation.