It appears that the race to replace disgraced former state senator Car Kruger in the 27th District is over ― and the winner of the special election is Republican David Storobin.

Democrat Lew Fidler said he was disappointed by the results, but offered his congratulations to Storobin on Thursday after a long recount process and a "surreal experience."

"In an election that was this nasty, this hard fought – and this long – I am left with a choice:  to dwell on the disappointment of falling a handful of votes short, or to focus on the faith and commitment that so many showed by believing in me and what I have stood for during my years in public service," he said in a statement. "Nonetheless, I have decided not to appeal the court’s decision.  It is my feeling that the law simply does not provide the remedy of disenfranchising voters whose ballots were handled in such an improper manner and with such disregard for the law."

Congressman Bob Turner issued a statement Thursday on Storobin’s victory:

"Brooklyn and Republican is no longer a non sequitur. With the election of David Storobin there are now five elected Republicans in Kings County, and there is a principal reason why: Voters are demanding fiscal accountability from their leaders and Republicans are providing it. Huge congratulations to David on a hard-fought win."

The special election was held on March 20, but was so close that a recount was necessary. At the time, Storobin had a 120 vote lead over Democratic challenger Lew Fidler.