Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy claimed victory in a three-way race for mayor on Tuesday, a win that would send him to the mayor's office for a fourth four-year term. 

McCarthy was leading Republican Matt Nelligan and Working Families nominee Ed Varno late Tuesday in this year’s mayoral election. The Democrat had argued during the campaign that he deserved reelection based on his 12-year track record of downtown revitalization.

With 100% of districts reporting Tuesday night, McCarthy led Nelligan and Varno 4,211 to 1,983 to 363, respectively.

"I've got a good group on the city council, partnerships with the county Legislature, the state government, federal government, where weve been able to produce real results for the city of Schenectady," McCarthy said.

McCarthy pointed to the Proctors arts and entertainment and the casino in the Mohawk Harbor Development.

McCarthy said he wanted a transparent, accessible government that maintains fiscal stability and continues innovating in the areas of emergency medical services and housing. He called it a resounding victory, but a humble experience.

Incumbent Mayor Gary McCarthy declares victory in Schenectady. He’s been in the role since 2011.@SpecNews1Albanypic.twitter.com/QtvcLZzxHN

— Sara Rivest Genhofer (@SaraRivest)November 8, 2023

Nelligan and Varno argued that after 12 years under McCarthy, the city needed a change in direction.

Nelligan, a former social studies teacher and past chief of staff to three members of the state Senate, conceeded shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday.