Andrew Cuomo wins Democratic primary

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 10 (UPI) -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo defeated Democratic primary challenger Zephyr Teachout in a surprisingly close Democratic primary.

Cuomo paced ahead of Teachout 62.1 percent to 34.2 percent with 98 percent of precincts reporting.

Teachout played on the liberal wing of the Democratic Party's dissatisfaction with Cuomo's centrist policies. She rallied against his tax cuts for big business and his refusal to condemn hydrofracking.

"Anything over 25 percent against an incumbent with 40 times as much money, one of the most famous names in politics, and a four year's head start on me, I am really, really proud of what we did," said Teachout.

Cuomo stressed his progressive ideas and actions while in office. The governor was plagued by corruption accusations throughout the election after creating an anti-corruption committee and then stonewalling it.

"Today's outcome is a testament to the progress we have made together over the last four years: restoring economic opportunity, replacing dysfunction with results, putting people before politics and reestablishing New York as a progressive leader for the nation," said Cuomo.

The closer-than-expected election could dent Cuomo's prospects in future plans for national elections.