Nassau Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs declared political newcomer Taylor Raynor the victor Thursday night in the Democratic primary race for New York state's 18th Assembly District seat.

She went up against Deputy Assembly Speaker Earlene Hooper, who has held the seat for 30 years.

Raynor, a mother of two, gave a victory speech to a packed room of supporters at her campaign headquarters in Freeport.

The race was marred by racial controversy, including a political mailer that read in part, "If you're proud to be black, make sure you vote for Deputy Speaker Earlene Hooper...Taylor Raynor is a slave to boss Jay Jacobs."

Both candidates are black.

Hooper's campaign manager said the campaign was "absolutely not" behind the flyer. Raynor said she was disappointed by the flyer and other comments the incumbent made during the course of the campaign.

Hooper was not available for comment after Raynor declared victory. Her campaign chairman would not confirm if they would concede the race, only saying there was no comment Thursday night.