Former Erie County Executive Chris Collins is now Congressman-elect for the newly formed 27th Congressional District. Collins narrowly beat incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul.

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After pulling off a narrow win against incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul in the race for the 27th Congressional District, Republican Chris Collins says he's looking forward to taking his message to Washington.

"The country's still at the same tipping point I talked about. We need more jobs and we've got to deal with the deficit," said Collins.

"This election was just a snapshot in time. I'm ready to move forward and I'll work with Chris Collins to represent this district," said Hochul, (D).

Hochul, a Democrat, lost to Collins by a margin of less than one percent in what's considered the most Republican district in the state. Throughout the campaign she talked about her independence and her willingness to reach across the aisle; something she hopes Collins will do in Washington.

"I said to him on the phone when I called, I hope that he will reach across the aisle and it I can help with that process, it's so important because people want government they can believe in and have the parties' partisan politics stop," said Hochul.

In his victory speech, President Obama also talked about reaching across the aisle and putting an end to partisan gridlock.

"Absolutely. I'm going to take the president at his word and hopefully be one of those he can reach out to and get this country moving again, understanding there are differences and I said more than once, to be part of the debate is what a member of Congress is, debating the future of the country, and the issues that are important, and I will play that role," said Collins.

Collins says he'll go through orientation for freshman members of Congress beginning this weekend in Washington before he's sworn-in on January 3rd.