Republican Rep. Nick LaLota is projected to retain his U.S. House seat in New York’s 1st congressional district, defending it from Democratic challenger John Avlon.

Republican Nick LaLota defeated Democratic challenger John Avlon, an ex-CNN anchor, in a competitive race for LaLota’s Long Island district. With 88% of the vote counted, the Associated Press projected LaLota the winner with 56% of the vote,

LaLota, who was seeking a second term in his race against former CNN anchor and author John Avlon, thanked his supporters on Tuesday night.