Paul Tonko (D), who spent 20 years in the New York state Assembly before leaving last year to take a job with the administration of then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D), is almost certainly heading to Capitol Hill following his victory Tuesday in the Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Mike McNulty (D-N.Y.).

Although votes were still being tabulated late Tuesday night, Tonko declared victory after his three top Democratic rivals conceded within minutes of each other. The runner-up in the race was Tracey Brooks, a former top aide to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.).

Tonko is heavily favored to win the Albany-area seat in November over the Republican nominee, Schenectady County Legislator Jim Buhrmaster (R).