Democrat Nate McMurray conceded to GOP Rep. Chris Collins in New York on Monday, nearly three weeks after Election Day. The Associated Press has yet to call the race in Collins' favor but it appears Collins will likely return to Congress despite an indictment on insider trading charges.
The three-term Republican led McMurray, the Grand Island Town Supervisor, by nearly 1,400 votes according to The Buffalo News.
"With some regret I offer my concession to Mr. Collins. It was a hard decision because part of me wants to continue to fight," McMurray said in a press conference Monday afternoon.
McMurray did not directly say whether he would challenge Collins again, but said, "When the time is right, I will run for office again."
McMurray also announced he would launch a new organization called "Fight Like Hell" to support people running for office who are new to the political process.
Collins, the first sitting member of Congress to endorse President Donald Trump in the 2016 primary, is under indictment for charges relating to insider trading. California GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter, another early Trump supporter, was also re-elected despite an indictment for using campaign funds for personal use.
McMurray did take solace in the narrow margin in the most Republican district in New York. Trump carried the 27th District, an expansive district outside Buffalo, by 24 points in 2016.
