Brandon Williams, 22nd Congressional District candidate, celebrates his lead over Democrat Francis Conole during the Republican watch party at Embassy Suites on Hiawatha Boulevard West in Syracuse Tuesday night. Photo by Michelle Gabel | Central Current

Republican Brandon Williams has secured enough votes to win New York’s 22nd Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

Williams won the district despite struggling in Onondaga County, its population center. Democrat Francis Conole beat Williams in Onondaga County by more than 20,000 votes.

But Williams won outside Syracuse and Onondaga County, far outpacing Conole in Madison and Oneida counties.

Williams’ win continues Republican party’s success in Syracuse-based Congressional districts. The party has the district that covers Syracuse for all but two terms in the last 40 years.

Williams is a part of the biggest Republican Congressional delegation that New York has sent to Washington, D.C. in 20 years. Williams was one of 11 Republicans to win a Congressional seat in New York state this year.

Before district boundaries were redrawn this year, the 22nd district was located mostly in the Mohawk Valley. The redrawn district includes Syracuse and Utica, and counts a slightly higher number of registered Democrats than it previously did.

Rep. John Katko, whose 24th district now includes Syracuse, announced his retirement from Congress earlier this year.

Rep. Claudia Tenney, who now represents the 22nd district, successfully ran in a different district this election.

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Chris Libonati covers government, accountability and equity. Have a tip? Contact Chris at 585-290-0718 or libonati@centralcurrent.org.