NEW YORK – As part of a statewide sweep for Democrats, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand defeated GOP challenger Chele Chiavacci Farley by better than two-to-one to retain her U.S. Senate Seat.
Gillibrand, who was declared the winner at 9:01 p.m. by the Associated Press, with the polls closing at 9 p.m., tallied 65.39 percent to Farley’s 31.53 percent.
The lopsided win is fueling some Democrats to boost Gillibrand to seek the party’s 2020 presidential nomination, although Gov. Andrew Cuomo is also considering the job.
“I want to thank New Yorkers for giving me the honor and privilege of being able to keep fighting for you in the United States Senate,” Gillibrand said in her victory speech in Manhattan. “Elections are always about who you fight for, and I promise you I will fight for your families as hard as I fight for my own.”
Farley called Gillibrand to concede the race at about 9:45 p.m.
Gillibrand was gracious in victory over Farley, who campaigned that Gillibrand was more interested in national accomplishments than in helping her constituents in New York.
“I want to thank her for running,” Gillibrand said. “It takes a lot to put yourself out there and run for Senate. It’s the second time we’ve had two women running for Senate, and it should not be the last.”