NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Democratic Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker has taken 55 percent percent of the vote in a special Senate election with 99 percent of precincts reporting.
Booker claimed a victory in the race Wednesday night over Republican opponent Steve Lonegan, who had 44 percent of the vote, CNN reported.
"I'm going down to make the Senate more accessible to all of us. I will bring more voice to the voices too often ignored in our state. I will be dogged and determined, relentless and unfaltering in my sense of service for all of New Jersey," said Booker at a victory rally late Wednesday. "If you voted for me, I will make you proud. If you didn't vote for me, I will work every single day to earn your trust. Remember this always: I work for all of New Jersey."
Lonegan, a businessman and the former mayor of Bogota, N.J., conceded
"Moments ago I called Senator Booker to congratulate him in his win and as we should, wish him the best in serving the people of the state and the people of this country," Lonegan said.
Booker is taking over a seat left vacant by Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died in June.
