Senator Kirsten Gillibrand won big, earning her first full term as New York's junior senator. Our Bobby Cuza has more on her election and what she had to say as she claimed victory.

Sen. Gillibrand declares victory:

Republican Wendy Long concedes:

NEW YORK -- New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand wins her first full, six-year term in the U.S. Senate. Gillibrand defeated Republican challenger Wendy Long.

Gillibrand was appointed to the Senate in 2009 by then-Governor David Paterson after Hillary Clinton was appointed to President Obama's cabinet. Now that the election is over, Gillibrand said it's time to put politics aside and get help to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

She said, "I really want to focus on the New York I have seen while visiting the families recovering from Hurricane Sandy in New York City, on Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. Our state is still in great crisis. At least 48 lives have already been lost. Over 320,00 families are still without power."

Gillibrand won her last race in 2010 to finish out Clinton's term.