Incumbent Democratic Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney has conceded the 17th Congressional District race to Republican Assembly Member Mike Lawler.

"I spoke to my opponent Michael Lawler and congratulated him on a good win," says Maloney.

Lawler defeated the five-term New York Democrat who had led his party's attempt to retain control of Congress.

Lawler ran a spirited campaign focused on inflation and public safety issues against the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Maloney's loss in a congressional district in the Hudson Valley is both a symbolic victory for Republicans and a territorial setback for Democrats in the national fight for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"We hope for something better for our country because that's what all American deserve," says Maloney.

Maloney, who represented the 18th Congressional District, chose to run in the 17th where his home now lies because of redistricting.