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Election 2020: Malliotakis Declares Victory Over Rose In Contentious Race For 11th Congressional District

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Republican challenger Nicole Malliotakis has declared victory against Democratic incumbent Max Rose in the contentious battle for New York City's 11th Congressional District.

Rose has not conceded, saying he wants every vote counted.

As CBS2's John Dias reported, it was a joyous night for Malliotakis, and she was still feeling that energy Wednesday.

Nicole Malliotakis election 2020
Republican challenger Nicole Malliotakis has declared victory against Democratic incumbent Max Rose in the contentious battle for New York City's 11th Congressional District. (Credit: CBS2)

"Appreciative to the people of this community who came out in strong numbers," she told Dias.

Malliotakis, a New York State assemblywoman since 2010, ran her campaign on restoring law and order.

"People in this community are very upset with how far left our city has gone," she said. "We need to support our NYPD, give them the resources they need to keep us safe."

Latest Results: 11th Congressional District

That's why she thinks she was victorious over Rose.

"I think there were a couple decisions he made that really upset people -- he voted to impeach the president, and he turned his back on the NYPD," she said.

The district covers Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn -- mostly blue collar voters and many active and retired firefighters and police officers.

"For Staten Island, I think it's a great thing," said retired detective Jim Roloph.

It's the city's only swing district, traditionally voting Republican until Rose flipped it in 2018. Now, the GOP has control again.

"It's disappointing to me personally, but it's not a huge surprise," resident Bobbe Fernando said.

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Rose said he will not concede until all votes are counted.

"The Board of Elections must conduct a fair and transparent process that demonstrates the strength of our democracy, rather than undermining it," he said Tuesday night.

Malliotakis said one of her first priorities will be delivering a COVID relief package to help struggling residents and small business owners.

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