Republican Claudia Tenney wins 22nd congressional district race

Claudia Tenney speaking to TWC news reporter Cara Thomas Tuesday night at her campaign headquarters in New Hartford (Photo: TWCNews)

Claudia Tenney speaking to TWC news reporter Cara Thomas Tuesday night at her campaign headquarters in New Hartford (Photo: TWCNews)

A hotly contested race to replace Republican Rep. Richard Hanna in the 22nd congressional district has ended in a victory for Claudia Tenney.

Tenney narrowly defeated Democratic opponent Kim Myers, winning 44 percent of the vote to Myers' 38 percent. Independent candidate Martin Babinec secured nearly 12 percent of the vote in the 22nd district.

Her victory brings an end to a heated congressional campaign that included accusations of corruption and negative attack ads from both sides.

Tenney, who is more conservative than Rep. Hanna, says she will serve as a "truly independent voice" in Congress.

"I hope it's an inspiration to those who want to fight the establishment and win," Tenney told TWC News reporter Cara Thomas. "It can be done."

22nd-congressional-district-results

Republican Claudia Tenney secured 9,399 votes (51%) of the more than 18,000 votes cast in Cortland County (Source: New York State Board of Elections)

Rep. Hanna, who captured national attention after becoming the first Republican in Congress to endorse Hillary Clinton for president, did not openly endorse a candidate in the race.

Tenney says her agenda in 2017 will include rebuilding the middle class by changing economic policies in Albany and Washington and working to repeal Obamacare.

"We need to reduce taxes, reduce regulations," Tenney said. "We need to renegotiate the trade deals that have gutted out small business community and our manufacturing jobs."

See related: 2016 Election Results - Cortland County