Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-Hudson, was returned to Congress in a decisive victory Tuesday.
With approximately two-thirds of the districts reporting, Gillibrand led, 112,030 to 67,576, at around 11 p.m.
In a prepared statement issued from her victory party, Gillibrand said, "It is such an honor to have received such a strong showing of support from the voters in our region.
"I'm looking forward to returning to Congress to fight for middle class tax cuts, energy independence that will lower gas prices and a stronger military," Gillibrand said. "I pledge to continue to be an advocate for the middle class, farmers, seniors and veterans."
Alexander "Sandy" Treadwell, 62, R-Lake Placid, was preparing a concession speech and was unavailable for comment, according to Peter Constantakes, Treadwell's spokesman.
Treadwell, a former New York secretary of state and state Republican chairman, and Gillibrand were similar in objecting to the government's $700 billion Wall Street bailout package. But the candidates disagreed on issues including the war in Iraq and health care.
The 20th Congressional District, which includes parts of Otsego County and most of Delaware County, has about 193,328 Republicans, 115,563 Democrats and 112,889 independents.
Gillibrand, 41, sought a second term after defeating Republican incumbent John Sweeney two years ago.
She is an attorney who worked in the Clinton administration as special counsel to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo. She is a member of the House armed services and agriculture committees.
During the campaign, Treadwell said the war in Iraq was mishandled in the early years but that the surge was working. He didn't support setting dates for withdrawal of American troops.
Gillibrand said she believes that if the administration does not seek permanent military bases or a claim on Iraqi oil revenue, American soldiers can return home in a "staged redeployment," done safely under the direction of military commanders.
Regarding health care, Gillibrand said a "public-private system, something like Medicare," should be set up so that people can purchase health insurance by contributing about 5 percent of their income. This would not replace private health insurance, she said, but would be an option for those who have no insurance or other coverage too expensive.
Treadwell opposes such a plan, saying government shouldn't be "operating the health care system," though he does support Medicare. More options for coverage are needed, he said.
In the race for president, Treadwell supported Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
Gillibrand favored Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., but said she would work with whomever was elected.
