Collins declares victory over Hochul

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Chris Collins has won the closely fought race for the 27th Congressional District.

The Republican declared victory in a speech at GOP headquarters just after 12:30 Wednesday morning.

Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Hochul had said her camp planned to review absentee and affidavit ballots before deciding to concede the race, however, just two hours after Collins' speech, Hochul released this concession statement:

“Early [Wednesday] morning I called Chris Collins and congratulated him on being elected to Congress. I encouraged him to work across the aisle and offered to assist him in any way I can. I also volunteered to help him make a smooth transition in January to ensure our constituents are well served. Congress can do better, and the people of this country deserve better than what Washington has given them.”