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"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," said Molinaro on Tuesday night, Nov. 12.
District 19 includes Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, and Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego, Rensselaer, and Ulster counties.
With 655 of 656 precincts counted at midday Wednesday, Riley has 161,640 (43.39 percent) votes to 158,385 votes (42.52 percent) for Molinaro.
New York election laws require a recount when the margin of victory is .5 percent or less. Molinaro chose to wait for the recount and the count of absentee ballots before conceding.
"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," Molinaro said.
He also thanked his volunteers, supporters, his family, and the support of the Republican party.
"We put forth a valiant effort - at last count, we were outspent by $8 million dollars," he added. "The fact that we made the race this close is a testament to all of you."
He congratulated Riley, who he said "ran a tough race," but also asked him to listen to the people of the district.
"My commitment to this country doesn't end here. I'll keep fighting, keep pushing, and keep believing in the people of Upstate New York," Molinaro said. "There’s more to be done, and I’ll be right here with you."
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