Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi declared victory in his congressional race against Rep. Claudia Tenney in a House district that stretches from the Mohawk Valley to the Southern Tier.

In one of the most-watched and heated House races in the country, Tenney vehemently declared that she was not conceding, but admitted her chances were grim.

However, as of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, the race was too-close-to-call and just 1,422 votes separating the two candidates with 100 percent of precincts reported, and absentee ballots uncounted.

"It's time for us to do the one single thing voters in this district have been asking for years; to roll up our sleeves, go to work in Washington, and serve this community," Brindisi said.

"We brought unprecedented resources back to this community, a record amount of money was brought back to the Air Force Research Lab thank you to our efforts and the President working with us," said Tenney.

Brindisi held his election watch party at Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica. It's where he made his victory speech at the end of night.

 

 

"Wow I just want to say 'thank you' to all that are here tonight," said Brindisi. "We got a lot of votes out there, a lot of absentee votes out there but it looks like we're going to be victorious tonight."

 

Claudia Tenney had her party at Tom Cavallo's Restaurant in New Hartford. It's where she made a speech too, but not one of defeat.

"It's a sad day that we're not up in this race right now. It's a bummer but, yeah I know. I'm not going to concede," Tenney said. "There's going to be a re-canvass."

Tenney's staff said the race is too close to call with absentee ballots still to be counted. Win or lose, Tenney said she's not giving up on her efforts to better the community.

"Maybe 2020. We'll see. We'll see. We'll see. I'm certainly not going to give up the fight," she said. "I'm certainly going to continue to fight to represent you whether I'm in office or not."

Brindisi is confident he could make a difference in Washington.

"I want to make sure that we end the divisions in our country," he said. "Our country is way too divided right now, and I want people to know whether they voted for me or not, I'm gonna be their member of Congress. I'm gonna be their representative in Congress. I'm always going to work hard for them."

Both candidates acknowledge it has been a tough race. Tenney's staff said they will be participating in the re-canvass process in the next few days and weeks.