BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Republican Chris Jacobs won the race for the 60th Senate District against Democrat Amber Small Tuesday night.

Jacobs thanked his family, staff and all who voted for him during his victory speech.

"This was a very long campaign, it was over eight months, a very intense primary, then a very intense general election and a challenging year," said Jacobs. "Thank you everyone."

Small told her supporters they have to keep going.

"The work does not stop today. We have to keep working harder," said Small. "We have to make sure we have a stronger voice.

"I'm just getting started."

Earlier Tuesday, the candidates were side-by-side at Universalist Unitarian Church in Elmwood Village.

There was no animosity between the two candidates who were both looking to fill the seat being vacated by Marc Panepinto.

The feeling was a bit of a departure from the last few weeks, when both candidates expressed disappointment at the tone of the some of the campaign advertisements.

Jacobs vastly outraised and outspent Small during the general election, but the numbers got a little closer with outside money, particularly from the state teachers union, is factored in.

In all, more than $1.5 million was spent on this race. It was considered one of the few swing districts in the state Senate.