Nate McMurray Concedes to Chris Collins, Will Run Again When ‘Time Is Right’
Collins was ahead by nearly 1,400 votes according to latest the ballot count
Democrat Nate McMurray conceded to GOP Rep. Chris Collins on Monday, nearly three weeks after Election Day. The Associated Press has yet to call the race in Collins’ favor, but it appears Collins will return to Congress despite an indictment for insider trading.
The three-term Republican led McMurray, the Grand Island Town Supervisor, by nearly 1,400 votes according to The Buffalo News.
“With some regret I offer my concession to Mr. Collins. It was a hard decision because part of me wants to continue to fight,” McMurray said in a press conference Monday afternoon.
McMurray did not directly say whether he would challenge Collins again, but said, “When the time is right, I will run for office again.”
McMurray also announced he would launch a new organization called “Fight Like Hell” to support people running for office who are new to the political process.
And, in what amounted to a very Buffalo statement, McMurray brought it all back to the area’s NFL franchise, saying politics isn’t about what team you’re on. “This isn’t the Bills versus the Patriots. This is about finding the best person to represent our region”
Collins, the first sitting member of Congress to endorse President Donald Trump in the 2016 primary, is under indictment for charges relating to insider trading. California GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter, another early Trump supporter, was also re-elected despite an indictment for using campaign funds for personal use.
McMurray did take solace in the narrow margin in the most Republican district in New York. Trump carried the 27th District, an expansive district outside of Buffalo, by 24 points in 2016.