New York Democratic congressman Anthony Brindisi conceded his razor-tight contest against Republican Claudia Tenney, handing the last remaining House race of the 2020 cycle to the GOP.
Brindisi announced his concession on Monday, writing that he "congratulated Claudia Tenney and offered to make the transition process as smooth as possible." The two candidates were embroiled in a contentious, months-long tabulation process. Tenney ultimately defeated Brindisi by just 109 votes.
Today, I congratulated Claudia Tenney on a hard-fought race. It has been the honor of a lifetime serving this community. Read my full statement below: pic.twitter.com/9bdPRF6QsL
— Anthony Brindisi (@ABrindisiNY) February 8, 2021
With Tenney’s long-delayed victory now confirmed, the GOP ends the 2020 election cycle having flipped 15 Democratic House seats. House Republicans will soon hold 211 seats to Democrats' 221, the smallest Democratic House majority in nearly a century.
Brindisi attempted to secure a hand recount before conceding, stating Friday that he was "shocked and surprised" by a New York judge’s recent ruling that Tenney won the race given the "countless errors and discrepancies that have occurred throughout this initial count."
I am shocked and surprised by this decision because of the countless errors and discrepancies that have occurred throughout this initial count. I believe a full audit and hand recount is the only way to resolve this race.
— Anthony Brindisi (@ABrindisiNY) February 5, 2021
Tenney—who represented New York’s 22nd Congressional District for two years before losing to Brindisi in 2018—thanked the Democrat for his congressional service in a Monday tweet.
"I really appreciate Anthony's call today and thank him for his service," Tenney wrote. "He graciously offered to help ensure a smooth transition and I look forward to working with him over the coming days to complete that process on behalf of everyone in NY22."