U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan has won a full term representing part of New York’s Hudson Valley in Congress, becoming one of just a few Democrats in the suburbs around New York City to hold off Republican opponents in the midterm election.
Ryan defeated Republican Colin Schmitt, a second-term state Assemblyman who conceded the race early Wednesday. The Associated Press declared Ryan the winner Friday after it became clear there weren't enough uncounted votes remaining for Schmitt to overcome the Democrat's slim lead.
Ryan, the former Ulster County executive, initially won a seat in Congress in August in a special election to finish out the term of former U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado, who resigned to become New York’s lieutenant governor.
His contest with Schmitt took place in a newly redrawn congressional district where he had to introduce himself to a new batch of potential constituents.
Ryan campaigned hard on abortion rights and Democrats hoped his summer win in the special election would be a bellwether for more victories in the suburbs.
But Republicans had a strong showing in New York, sweeping all four congressional districts on Long Island and ousting U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, a Democrat whose district would have adjoined Ryan's in the Hudson Valley.
Get Tri-state area news delivered to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York's News Headlines newsletter.
Overall, Democrats won at least 15 seats in New York's congressional delegation in Tuesday's election. Republicans have won at least 10.
News
One congressional race in central New York remains too early to call. In that contest in the Syracuse area, Republican Brandon Williams had a narrow lead over Democrat Francis Conole. The winner there will succeed U.S. Rep. John Katko, a Republican who is retiring from office.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the midterm elections at https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections and check out https://apnews.com/hub/explaining-the-elections to learn more about the issues and factors at play.
