New York's U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand speaks at the Lake Placid Beach House in July 2023. (Enterprise photo — Arthur Maiorella)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was reelected to a U.S. Senate seat representing New York on Tuesday. Gillibrand defeated Republican Mike Sapraicone, a retired New York City police detective. Gillibrand has been New York’s junior senator since 2009. In Washington, she’s been a voice against sexual harassment and assault in the military. She ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019, but dropped out of the race after polling and fundraising struggles. New York hasn’t elected a Republican to the Senate since Al D’Amato won in 1994. The Associated Press declared Gillibrand the winner at 9:00 p.m. EST.

Gillibrand released the following statement at 9:43 p.m.:

“This victory makes it absolutely clear that New Yorkers believe in a government that works, and that we must put people over politics. I am committed to finding common sense solutions, which is why I always reach across the aisle to find common ground, from delivering health benefits for first responders and veterans, to taking illegal guns off the street, to bringing down costs for New York families. New Yorkers believe in fundamental truths, like caring about our neighbors and treating others with kindness, decency and respect. That has been, and will continue to be, the hallmark of my public service.”