After months of attack-ads and critical campaigning, the 52nd District state Senate race is now settled. Emily Lorsch was there as the winner, Fred Akshar, was sworn into office.

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- The 52nd District's new state senator kicked off his victory speech very simply.

"We did it," he said.

Republican Fred Akshar says it's been a grueling three months, but each day was well worth it.

"It's been a very unique experience to be able to travel this district and meet so many great people and listen to their issues and their concerns and the fact that they had faith in me and they chose me to represent them in Albany to ensure that we're addressing their issues and concerns is very humbling," said Akshar.

His message was for residents, both those who voted for him -- and those who didn't.

"I'm not going to let them down," Akshar said.

At the Democratic watch party in Binghamton, his opponent Barbara Fiala, conceded the race shortly before 10:30 p.m. Tuesday night. She said it was difficult to win a race after being out-spent 6 to 1.

"Am I disappointed? Well, when the Republicans pour a million dollars in a race and the Democrats don't, you kind of sense a mixed signal," Fiala said.

Akshar maintains he ran a very positive campaign focused on the issues. He says it's not about the money.

"I think our message resonated with the people and I'm excited, I'm looking forward to getting to work on day one," Akshar said.

And he means it. Akshar already has plans in motion to start learning about the different projects throughout the district on Wednesday.

"We'll put the name on the door and then I'm not staying in the office. I'm not going to wait. I'm going to get out on the street and do what the people want me to do. I've said often that I'm not a career politician; I'm a career public servant. And I have an opportunity now to continue my service to this community, just in a different fashion," Akshar said.

Although this seat has not seen a new face in more than 25 years, Akshar says he's excited to take on this role and hit the ground running.