Update: Nicolello Wins 9th Legislative District Race

, R-New Hyde Park, won the race for the 9th Legislative District Tuesday night.

According to the Nassau County Board of Elections, Nicolello received 72.94 percent of the vote, outsdistancing challenger , D-New Hyde Park. Nicolello earned 7,199 votes to Watson's 2,664.

Nicolello is a nine-term legislator. He has been part of the legislature since its inception in 1996.

Update: On his official Facebook page, Nicolello issued the following statement.

"Thank you to the residents of the 9th L.D. for reelecting me to the Nassau County Legislature. It is an honor to represent you in county government. The county continues to face a host of difficult problems, which have been many years in the making. I will continue to make the tough decisions to restore the county's finances and look forward to the challenge of solving these problems in a way that protects the people of Nassau County. Thank you again for giving me the privilege of serving another two year term."

Watson said the following about the election: "I am very happy with and proud of the results of my candidacy for 9th district legislator.  To have received 2,664 or 27% of the votes was a great achievement, especially given the many factors such as no traditional campaigning or political machine support, no money spent, no previous experience, and running against such a well established county legislator. From beginning to end, I maintained the same approach on this journey, presenting myself with complete honestly and integrity.  I was also happy to be in a challenge that was not stained by any typical political negativity on either end...as far as I am aware. I appreciate the experience and opportunity and I am truly grateful to all of those who supported me and voted for me."