By Alex Robinson
Former city Comptroller John Liu has conceded to state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside).
“At the end of the day, our campaign was successful in holding our senator accountable, and the close results of this election prove that the voters are demanding a true Democratic majority in the Senate,” Liu said in a statement Tuesday morning. “I’m proud of this campaign, and we will continue to hold our elected officials accountable and ensure effective representation.”
Avella won the race with 6,813 votes to Liu’s 6,245, according to unofficial results.
The former comptroller held out after the incumbent declared victory last week, saying the race was too close to call. But his campaign said that after crunching the numbers it became clear the 568-vote gap was going to be too wide to close, even with the roughly 1,000 absentee ballots yet to be counted.
“It was a spirited primary race,” Avella said. “I look forward to the November election and to ultimately returning to Albany to represent my constituents in what is sure to be a pivotal legislative session.”
Reach reporter Alex Robinson by e-mail at arobinson@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4566.
