NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Wins Election as Republican Lee Zeldin Concedes

(Left) New York Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) speaks during a press conference at the entrance to the Rikers Island jail in New York on Oct. 24, 2022. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images); (Right) New York State Governor Kathy Hochul speaks on stage during The 2022 Concordia Annual Summit-Day 2 at Sheraton New York in New York on Sept. 20, 2022. (John Lamparski/Getty Images for Concordia Summit)

Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin on Wednesday conceded to Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul for New York’s gubernatorial race.

Although early polling had shown Hochul ahead of Zeldin by a wide margin, polls showed Zeldin was gaining on the incumbent governor in recent days. The Republican focused on out-of-control crime in New York City, while Hochul attempted to tie Zeldin to former President Donald Trump.

“Those controlling Albany should take note. New Yorkers of all walks of life are sick of the attacks on their wallets, their safety, their freedoms and the quality of their kids’ education and are hitting their breaking point, as proven by these results,” Zeldin said in conceding the race. “As they take office in January, Governor Kathy Hochul and those controlling Albany must address the grave concerns voiced by the voters. While this campaign has come to a close, the rescue mission to Save Our State continues.”

Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans in the state, and voters have not elected a GOP governor since former Gov. George Pataki in 1994. Outside of the New York City metropolitan area in Albany and Buffalo, Zeldin performed strongly.

Zeldin added that the “race was a once in a generation campaign, with a very close margin in the bluest of blue states,” according to the statement. “The unrelenting passion and hard work of our grassroots volunteers and supporters made this incredibly close race possible and helped us win at least 49 of New York’s 62 counties. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents united as New Yorkers, pouring their heart and soul into this campaign.”

Hochul, 64, was named governor in August 2021 after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned while facing a possible impeachment inquiry and trial amid several scandals.

The Buffalo-area native declared victory against Zeldin at around 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

“You made your voices heard loud and clear. And you made me the first woman ever elected to be the governor of the state of New York. I’m not here to make history, I’m here to make a difference,” Hochul said during a speech on Tuesday night. “And because of all of you, we'll keep making progress.”

In another closely-watched New York race, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.), the head of House Democrats’ reelection arm, lost his race to Republican Mike Lawler. Maloney conceded his race on Wednesday in New York’s 17th district, located just north of New York City.

“I don’t like to lose, but my opponent won this race and he won it fair and square. That means something. So I’m going to step aside,” Maloney remarked.