Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand of New York has defeated Republican challenger Chele Farley to win re-election to the United States Senate.

She beat Farley by about 25 percentage points with most precincts reporting.

In her victory speech, the senator took time to praise her opponent.  

"I just spoke with my opponent Chele Farley, and I wanted to thank her for running. It takes a lot to put yourself out there and run for Senate, and it's the second time we've had two women running for Senate and it should not be the last,” Gillibrand said.

Gillibrand has served in the Senate since she was appointed to replace Hillary Clinton in 2009.