Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus has won re-election, defeating Democratic challenger Michael Sussman by roughly 15 points in one of the most closely watched local races of the year.

Neuhaus celebrated his victory Tuesday night at the Castle Fun Center in Chester, thanking voters and supporters who helped secure him a fourth term.

"We would not be up here without everybody supporting us. It's been a long call. We have a great record, we have a great team behind us and we are so, so thankful to everybody who's been here," Neuhaus said during his victory speech.

The Republican incumbent pointed to his record on economic growth, tax relief, and emergency management as the foundation of his campaign.

Sussman, a longtime civil-rights attorney who ran on a platform of transparency and reform, congratulated Democrats who won seats in the Orange County Legislature, saying in a statement:

“The voters have spoken. Congratulations to all of the Democratic candidates who have broken the stranglehold of Republican rule in the Orange County Legislature, and I am proud to be a part of bringing two-party rule back to Orange County.”

The race capped off a heated campaign that focused on issues including county spending, housing development, and the future of Stewart International Airport.