ALBANY, N.Y. — The Republican challenger on Wednesday conceded to Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop in a congressional race in eastern Long Island, the nation’s only undecided House contest.
Randy Altschuler spokesman Rob Ryan said the candidate decided against forcing a hand recount in the 1st Congressional District in eastern Long Island. Bishop last had a 263-vote lead with 977 absentee ballots left to be counted out of the more than 194,000 votes cast.
“After consulting with my family and campaign staff, I am ending my campaign and offering congratulations to Congressman Tim Bishop on his victory,” Altschuler said.
He said despite support for a hand recount, “I will not support such an action as I feel its cost will place an unnecessary burden on the taxpayers of Suffolk County.”
Bishop spokesman Jon Schneider said Altschuler called before 9 a.m. Wednesday to concede. Schneider said lawyers for both sides will drop all outstanding challenges and “we will be able to certify him (Bishop) as the winner.”
Bishop was one of many Democrats faced with strong challenges in the Nov. 2 election that swept a Republican majority into the House.