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Challenger Brindisi Claims Victory Over Top Trump Ally Claudia Tenney

New York GOP rep ran one of the most pro-Trump campaigns of 2018 cycle

Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., lost her re-election bid to Democrat Anthony Brindisi. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., lost her re-election bid to Democrat Anthony Brindisi. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

One of the most outspoken defenders in the House of President Donald Trump has apparently lost her bid for re-election after a lone term in office.

Democrat Anthony Brindisi claimed victory Tuesday in New York’s 22nd District over Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney, who ran one of the most pro-Trump campaigns this past cycle. 

Brindisi, who billed himself as a centrist on the campaign trail and has signed a letter saying he will not vote for Nancy Pelosi for speaker on the House floor in January, led Tenney by 1,293 votes on Election Night, a lead of less than 1 percent.

With most of the absentee ballots finally tabulated and reported Tuesday, Brindisi’s lead grew to an insurmountable lead.

Tenney has not conceded the race to Brindisi and The Associated Press and other media outlets have not yet called it. Both were in Washington last week when their race was too close to call — Tenney for Republican conference leadership votes, Brindisi for new member orientation.

Brindisi’s campaign released a statement Tuesday night declaring victory.

“As I said on Election night, I’ll work to be a representative for our entire community,” he said. “I’m humbled that I’ll have the honor to represent this district in Congress. Now that this campaign is behind us, I look forward to a smooth transition with Congresswoman Tenney to ensure that we hit the ground running in January.”

The NY- 22 race is one of three races that have not yet been called.

Rep. Chris Collins appears to have held onto his seat in New York’s 27th District despite facing a criminal indictment for alleged insider trading.

In Georgia’s 7th District in the Atlanta suburbs, Democrat Carolyn Bourdeaux filed on Tuesday for a recount after incumbent Rep. Rob Woodall finished 0.32 percent ahead of her in the final vote tally.

Watch: Pelosi Talks Midterm ‘Wave,’ Says She Has Votes for Speakership

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