Marc Molinaro concedes New York’s 19th congressional district

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Rep. Marc Molinaro conceded the race for New York State's 19th Congressional district on Tuesday. His opponent, democrat Josh Riley, will take over his seat.

In a statement, Molinaro said in-part: "Our race didn’t go the way we had hoped, but let me tell you, I am so proud of what we’ve built together. This campaign was about more than just winning a seat; it was about standing up for the people who make this state great, who work hard, who love their families, and who believe in the promise of New York and this nation...I congratulate my opponent, Josh Riley. Josh, ran a tough race, and the people of this district have placed their faith in him. I wish you and your team success in serving our community, and I hope you’ll listen closely to the voices of every single person in this district. They’re counting on you."

The Associated Press called the race for Riley on Nov. 6; however, with the vote at 50.5% to 49.5%, New York election law includes a provision for a manual recount in races where the margin of victory is .5% or less.

Riley ran on an anti-corruption stance in hopes to attract voters. In his candidate interview with NEWS10, Riley said he doesn’t take any PAC money and believed there should be term limits for members of Congress. 

In Molinaro’s candidate interview with NEWS10, Molinaro said he was ranked the second most bi-partisan member of the House and the fourth most effective member of the House and Senate. With Congress becoming more polarized, he said he could work with democrats.

New York’s 19th congressional district includes Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties, and parts of Otsego and Ulster Counties.

Districts 16 and 22 will also have new sitting Congressmembers. Democrat George Latimer won in NY-16 and Democrat John Mannion won NY-22.