President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden claimed victory at the polls Tuesday night after months of bitter battles in the campaign trail. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney came up short in his bid for presidency but gracefully took to the stage to congratulate Mr. Obama.

In the local races, Republican incumbent Peter King won another term as did Democrat Steve Israel. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Bob Menendez of New Jersey were also reelected to serve a second term.