So much for the Red Wave. Instead Democrats enjoyed their fair share of success on election night with control of the Senate and House still up for grabs.
In New York Kathy Houchul won her first full term in office as Governor, defeating Republican challenger Lee Zeldin 52 percent to 47.7 percent with 93 percent of precincts reporting. Houchul becomes the first woman elected governor of New York after taking over the top job in Albany from disgraced former governor Andrew Cuomo.
'You made me the first woman ever elected to be the governor of the state of New York' — Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul is the projected winner in NY’s race for governor. Hochul spoke about breaking barriers & glass ceilings in her victory speech. #Election2022 pic.twitter.com/7Ns0DEJb3V
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) November 9, 2022
However, Zeldin has yet to concede the race, blaming the media for calling it. “It’s going to be frustrating for members of the media for not wanting us in contention in New York. I am sure NBC was pretty excited about calling this race quickly.”
New York gubernatorial nominee Lee Zeldin (R) is not conceding his race to Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) despite several reputable news networks calling the race:
— The Recount (@therecount) November 9, 2022
"It's gonna be a little frustrating for the members of the media who didn't want us ever to be in contention." pic.twitter.com/d2gvKOy133
For months Houchul and Zeldin traded barbs during a tightly contested race that wound up much closer than what many anticipated months ago. Houchul and Democrats hit Zeldin hard for his stance that former President Donald Trump won the 20220 election. On the flip side Zeldin hit Houchul hard on the rise of crime in the state and city of New York.