Henry victorious, Paula Hughes concedes Mayor's race

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Republican candidate for Fort Wayne mayor Paula Hughes has conceded the race to incumbent Democrat Tom Henry.  Hughes made the announcement at approximately 8:25 p.m. Tuesday evening in front of supporters at a GOP gathering at Ceruti's reception hall.

With all precincts reporting the final vote tally was Henry with 23,149 votes (49.84%) and Hughes with 21,515 votes (46.32%).  Independent Haley Ahrendt received 1,781 votes (3.83%).

Click on the video in this story to watch Henry's entire acceptance speech.

With the stage full of his family, Henry walked in to a room full of a cheering crowd.

Henry congratulated Hughes on a hard-fought race.

"My opponent gave a tough race and she was a formidable opponent. It's been a long nine months. Fortunately we came out on top. She ran a tough race and it was contentious at times, there's no doubt about that. But, in the end she respected the voice of the people," Henry said to NewsChannel 15.

Henry also thanked the citizens for the confidence for giving him four more years in office.

After such a negative campaign, Henry said he would be open to talking with Hughes.

"My door is open to her and any citizen who wants come forward and offer ideas. I believe she had an eight-point plan for the city. I'd love to hear what she had to say. I'd love to sit down with Ms. Hughes and talk to her about her vision for the city," Henry said.

Henry plans to take Wednesday off to spend with his family. He'll be back to work in the mayor's office on Thursday.