Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand won re-election on Tuesday. (Getty)

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand won re-election on Tuesday. (Getty) Credit: Getty

Democratic U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who filled the seat when Hillary Rodham Clinton was picked as secretary of state in 2008, has won the seat sought by Republican contender Wendy Long.

"Thank you, #NY! I'm honored you've voted for me to represent you in the US Senate for 6 more years!," GIllibrand tweeted.

Earlier in the night, Republican party officials had said Long's campaign, even if she lost, will be judged as successful.

"Kirsten Gillibrand is put on notice now," that she will be challenged in the future, said David Laska, a spokesman for the Republican Party of New York State.

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