Republican Assemb. Dean Murray led challenger Ed Hennessey by 36 votes on election night, but a recount has turned the tables and Hennessey, a former Brookhaven Town councilman is now headed to Albany.
Officials confirmed that Murray, of Patchogue, conceded the 3rd Assembly District race to Hennessey after a second day of recanvassing Thursday put the Democrat on top.
Newsday reported that Hennessey, a lawyer, won by 226 votes when all the ballots were counted Friday.
Murray, who took office in 2010 after winning a special election and won a full two year term later that year, posted a note on his Facebook page Friday morning thanking his supporters.
"It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of the 3rd Assembly District over the past 3 years, but it appears that it wasn't in the cards for me to continue doing so. Thank you once again for all of your support!" he wrote.
The 3rd Assembly District includes Blue Point, Farmingville, Gordon Heights, Holtsville, Medford and Patchogue.
