New Jersey’s gubernatorial election finally ended Friday as Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli conceded the race that was closer than expected. The Associated Press called the race for Gov. Phil Murphy on Nov. 3, 22 hours after the polls closed, but the Ciattarelli camp was waiting for mail-in and provisional ballots to be counted. The most current results have Murphy up by almost 2.9%, a margin that Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman, said could not be overcome by any remaining uncounted ballots or a recount.

“I hate to lose,” Ciattarelli told supporters in Raritan Borough, where he grew up and began his elective career. “I’m also someone who believes strongly in our republic and our democratic processes. Enough votes have been counted. There does not appear to be a path to victory or the basis for a recount. Nor do we know of any systemic or widespread fraud. So, no, I see no proof that this election was stolen.”

Ciattarelli said he isn’t going anywhere and while he wishes Murphy success, he vowed, “I’ll be running for governor in four years.”

Watch the concession speech by Jack Ciattarelli above.