HERKIMER, N.Y. (WKTV) - Celebrations filled Herkimer's Waterfront Grille Tuesday night after votes came in showing Acting District Attorney Jeff Carpenter as the projected winner for Herkimer County District Attorney.

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Carpenter received 12,471 votes compared to his opponent Mary Iocovozzi with 9,218.

"I'm feeling great you know obviously I worked hard for this I've been working hard for a long time for this opportunity," said Carpenter. "I appreciate the opportunity the voters have given me in Herkimer County and I promise not to let them down."

Carpenter has been Acting District Attorney since January, after former DA John Crandall became judge.

Challenger Mary Iocovozzi was trying to unseat him. Gathering with family and friends at the Herkimer Elks Tuesday night as the results came in she said she did everything she could.

"It was a very tough campaign, I tried to bring out facts which I did bring out, facts about how the office is run and how cases have been treated," said Iocovozzi. "Particularly with plea bargain cases which I think could be improved and also just the lack of any kind of pragmatic initiatives like other counties."

In the end, a close race but the majority of Herkimer County voters choosing to keep Carpenter as DA.

"This is great," said Carpenter after cheers and applause. "You know these people have worked so hard for me everybody in this room I have to thank them individually you know we did really work hard for this and I owe so much to these people here it's been great... its been a wonderful experience."

Carpenter will now serve as Herkimer County District Attorney for a term of four years.