BUFFALO, N.Y. — Chris Collins has conceded the Erie County Executive race to Democrat Mark Poloncarz.

"I can't imagine what else we could have done in this campaign. The public has spoken, I don't know quite what to make of that, but they did," said Collins, (R).

Collins promised a smooth transition from his end.

"When you lose an election, you move on," Collins said.

Collins said he'd now be spending more time focused on his business pursuits.

"One thing I won't be doing is leaving Western New York," he said to applause.

Atmosphere subdued at GOP HQ

We're looking, but so far, no sign of County Executive Chris Collins at GOP headquarters.

GOP chair predicts Republican sweep

Nick Langworthy, chair of the Erie County Republican party, has predicted a Republican sweep of key races in Erie County. Click on the video for more.

GOP HQ focused on executive, clerk races

At Erie County Republican election night headquarters, they're keeping a close eye on two hotly contested races: county executive and clerk.

In the race for county exective, incumbent Republican Chris Collins says despite a recent Siena poll showing the race in a dead heat, he's confident he'll come out on top over challeger Mark Poloncarz.

"Our results and accomplishments speak for themselves. I believe those are going to take us home tonight," said Collins, (R).

"Lowest unemployment in the state, 18 straight months of private sector job growth, the envy of every other county in the state. If he and his supporters want to blame me for the worldwide recession, that says a lot about my administration. The only issue they're bringing up is an issue that's falsely misleading."

The other big race here for the Republicans tonight is the county clerk race. Buffalo school board member Chris Jacobs is hoping to fill that seat vacated by Kathy Hochul.