James Skoufis will move from the New York State Assembly to the State Senate.

Skoufis, a Democrat, claimed victory Tuesday night over Republican challenger Tom Basile to take over the 39th District seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Bill Larkin.

The two sparred during their campaign over issues like the proper treatment of the growing Orthodox Jewish community in Kiryas Joel, and how best to combat corruption in Albany.

Skoufis had served six years in the State Assembly.

"The [Kiryas Joel] block vote is tough to overcome," Skoufis said Tuesday night, "but when you've had the support we had ... we won."