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State Sen. John Mannion defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Brandon Williams to win the 22nd Congressional District race. The margin of victory was nearly 28,000 votes, 183,473 to 155,496.

Mannion, D-Geddes, had a nearly 35,000-vote advantage in Onondaga, the 22nd district's largest county. That was enough to overcome Williams' wins in Cayuga, Madison and Oneida counties. 

In Cortland County, Mannion edged Williams by 116 votes, 7,826 to 7,710. 

"I'm honored that the people of central New York and the Mohawk Valley have put their faith in me to serve our community in Congress," Mannion said in a statement. "It is clear, now more than ever, that the people of NY-22 want unity in a time of division, and want a representative who will fight for a woman's right to choose, protect Social Security and Medicare, improve our schools and lower costs for working families." 

The 22nd Congressional District was one of the most closely watched House races in the country. The candidates and outside groups spent more than $18.4 million — funds that allowed the parties to flood the airwaves with ads, especially in the final weeks of the election. 

Mannion's campaign focused on his central New York roots, background as a high school teacher, abortion rights and boosting the region's economy. 

Williams prioritized border security, the economy and public safety during his reelection bid. 

The CHIPS and Science Act emerged as a top issue in the waning days of the election. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, headlined a rally for Williams in Syracuse. Johnson's comments about repealing the legislation drew national attention and criticism from Democrats, including Mannion. 

Democrats were confident about picking up the central New York House seat, especially after new congressional maps were drawn and the party's enrollment advantage grew in the district. 

When Williams won the 22nd district two years ago, it was comprised of Onondaga, Madison and Oneida counties, plus a portion of Oswego County. The new map added parts of Cayuga and Cortland counties, while shifting the sliver of Oswego County and a part of Oneida County to other districts. 

The revamped district hurt Williams' reelection chances. Although Williams won Oneida County, Mannion had a solid showing there. 

Mannion will be the first Democrat to represent Cayuga County and the Syracuse area in Congress since former U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei served two nonconsecutive terms, from 2009 to 2011 and 2013 to 2015. 

"I'm grateful to be NY-22's voice in Congress, and I want to thank every staff member, volunteer, and supporter who made this effort possible," Mannion said. "It is an honor of a lifetime to be your next congressman." 

This won't be the first time Mannion will represent Auburn and a portion of Cayuga County. When he was first elected to the state Senate in 2020, his district included the city and a handful of nearby towns.