Rep. Paul Tonko was re-elected to an eighth term representing the Capital Region in Congress, the Associated Press projected.

The Democratic lawmaker defeated Republican Liz Joy in a rematch of the 2020 race for New York’s 20th Congressional District.

In the most recent congressional term, Tonko chaired the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change. He said he found a lot of energy among supporters this election.

The congressman said the CHIPS and Science ACT would act like an economic booster shot for upstate.

“We’re getting that message out and sharing with the public that there’s been installments that have been done that will address climate change, that will address the opportunity for growing sound jobs in a semiconductor, microelectronic, nanoscience arena,” Tonko said.

He said he has worked to reduce crime and address violence. Tonko said two of the biggest issues of the campaign were protecting the rights of Americans and strengthening the nation’s democracy.

Speaking Tuesday before the votes were counted, Joy said her message of addressing inflation and reducing violent crime had resonated with voters across the Capital Region.

“We’re listening to the people…voters want to feel like they are being listened to,” she said.

Tonko will be sworn in on Jan. 3 as a member of the 118th Congress.

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