BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York State Republican Party Chairman Nick Langworthy came from behind late Tuesday night and is claiming victory over Carl Paladino in the 23rd Congressional District Primary. Late returns wiped out an early Paladino lead, with unofficial results giving Langworthy 52 percent of the vote.
Langworthy declared victory while addressing energized supporters gathered at his campaign headquarters in Clarence. It was a much different scene at Paladino's election night party in Orchard Park. Minutes after Langworthy took the stage, Paladino's campaign released a statement claiming a number of "statistical irregularities." Paladino then left without addressing the media and as of Wednesday morning, he still has not conceded. The Associated Press called the race in Langworthy's favor shortly after midnight. NBC News reached the same conclusion roughly half an hour earlier.
Wednesday afternoon, Paladino released this statement, saying it was time to move onto the next chapter of his life.
“I am truly blessed with the greatest family and friends in the world. Western New York is my home, and I am humbled by the voters who turned out to support me. My story is proof that the American dream is possible. I want to personally thank Assemblyman David DiPietro, Rob Astorino, Tim Howard, and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for their friendship and support during this race. I also want to thank my staff and the hundreds of volunteers who helped my campaign. It is time to move onto the next chapter of my life. I am forever grateful for this community. I will always advocate for Western New York."
The race has been heated as Langworthy and Paladino battled for the support of GOP voters. Following New York’s contentious redistricting process, the newly redrawn NY-23 retained high favorable for Republican candidates. So while November’s election will ultimately decide who heads to Congress, the Republican primary carries a lot of weight.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars were pumped into new campaign ads for the Republican primary as both sides traded jabs. Paladino’s campaign has referred to their opponent as “Lying Langworthy” while the state GOP chair has opted for “Cowardly Carl.”
Langworthy will move on to face Tioga County resident Max Della Pia in the general election on November 8th. Della Pia is the Democratic party’s nominee for New York’s 23rd Congressional race.