Democrat Todd Kaminsky declared victory Tuesday night in the race for the state Senate 9th District.

Kaminsky, a former corruption prosecutor, claimed victory over challengers Chris McGrath, a Republican, and Laurence Hirsh, of the Green Party.

Kaminsky's win would give Democrats the outright majority in the state Senate. He would fill the seat left vacant by former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who was convicted last year on corruption charges. The corruption conviction of former state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver also loomed above voters' heads in the race.

Both Kaminsky and McGrath had disavowed the former leaders of their respective parties.

On Monday, some residents within the district received a robocall from President Barack Obama voicing his support for Kaminsky, citing his support for paid family leave, middle-class tax cuts, school funding and a higher minimum wage. Earlier this month, Kaminsky was endorsed by former President Bill Clinton.

Following Kaminsky's declaration, the McGrath campaign said in a statement, "This race is too close to call...All the votes will have to be counted in the coming days."