The Associated Press declared a winner on Thursday in the 125^th Assembly District race.

Democrat Anna Kelles will represent this district after maintaining her lead over Republican challenger Matthew McIntyre.

“I am so honored by the overwhelming support of voters in Cortland and Tompkins Counties. I am grateful to our election workers for their tireless efforts to run a safe election during this pandemic and I send them my heartfelt thanks and admiration as they finish counting the last of the absentee ballots,” Kelles said. “I also want to express my deep gratitude to all of the members of our community who supported my campaign. I will work hard for everyone in our district to meet our needs, especially those that have been highlighted through this pandemic. I am excited to get to Albany in January and start working alongside my colleagues to make a difference in the lives of all of the people of the 125th District.”

This seat was left open after Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, who served the district for 18 years, announced she was retiring in January.

According to her campaign, Kelles served as a public health educator and a director of an environmental non-profit before being elected as a Tompkins County legislator.

She also holds a doctorate in nutritional epidemiology.

McIntyre’s campaign has not yet issued a statement.