Software company founder Brandon Williams has secured the Republican nomination for New York’s 22nd Congressional District, the Associated Press projects.

Williams defeated former prosecutor Steven Wells in the competitive race to succeed Republican Rep. John Katko in Congress.

“Thank you, that you love our country so much that you’re willing to stand up and make a difference, and a difference you have certainly made,” Williams told supporters as he took the stage to declare victory just before 11 p.m. Tuesday.

“We were outspent by a considerable amount, over $1.6 million dollars was spent over what we had,” he continued. “So we built a grassroots team, and we knew that was the right combination, especially in this cycle.”

Williams said that while many considered him to be the underdog in the race against Wells, he knew in the last 10 days that the race was tipping in his favor, a feeling that only intensified as the results came in.

“Looking at the maps and who was reporting, we had a good idea of our strong points in the area, and we knew we were going to win by a strong margin,” he said.

And now a pivot to the general election, where he says he will continue fighting for the same things he says won him this victory.

“We’re all suffering under the Biden administration and progressive left policies,” he said. “It’s energy independence, crime in our cities, it’s the southern border.”

Wells released a statement, congratulating Williams on the win.

"I wish Brandon the best as he works to help Republicans retake the House and stop Biden's failed agenda. Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, and supporters who have helped and guided me through this campaign. I could not have done this without your love and support."

Williams was born in Texas and moved to Central New York in 2010. He is also a U.S. Navy veteran. 

Now the nominee, Williams aims to keep the Syracuse-based district in Republican hands this fall, which it has been since 2014.

The new 22nd District is made up of Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties. Following Rep. Katko’s victories in a district that voted for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, the new 22nd District is likely to be one of the state’s more competitive races.

Williams will face Democrat Francis Conole in November.