Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday received 3.4 million votes, nearly 60 percent of all cast, and a far wider margin against Republican Marc Molinaro than polls had predicted.

"If you compare the governor's numbers to other third terms, it compares very favorably. Very few get just shy of 60 percent in their third term," said Bruce Gyory, the former gubernatorial advisor.

But the map of New York also shows a divided state.

Cuomo, a Democrat, won the New York City region along with upstate counties with large cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany. Like the rest of the country, Democrats in New York on Tuesday did well in urban and suburban areas while Republicans won rural portions of the state.

"You pick up barnicles. I mean, by governing you make choices, you offend people. Really, [Cuomo's win] is a testament," said Gyory.

Cuomo's approval rating dropped with upstate voters more than five years ago when he successfully won the passage of the SAFE Act — a controversial package of gun control measures. But this year Cuomo focused on President Donald Trump, who is popular with upstate Republicans, but deeply opposed by the Democratic base. 

"Today's election made clear that New York is not buying what President Trump is selling. We know his type too well," said Cuomo.

In his concession speech on Tuesday, Molinaro sought to emphasize that while New York varies from region to region, there are similarities when it comes to wanting a good education and lower taxes.

"We are an amazing state. We are as diverse as we are united, and we have far more in common than divides us," said Molinaro.

Cuomo's biggest gains were made in the suburban counties of Long Island where he won Suffolk County — an area he lost four years ago.