Clapp concedes in SD-26 race

Republican Lauri Clapp conceded the Senate District 26 race late Wednesday to Democrat Linda Newell, giving the Democrats a 21-14 majority in the Colorado Senate.

With provisional ballots counted by Tuesday, Newell led the race by 191 votes. Arapahoe County elections officials will still conduct an automatic recount of the race starting Nov. 24, but Clapp said in a statement that she didn't want to subject taxpayers to a lengthy and divisive process.

"While an election that is decided by less than 200 votes can at times be divisive, I extend my sincere congratulations to Linda, and wish her the very best," Clapp said in a statement. "She has a lot of work ahead of her, and I hope she is sensitive and responsive to the needs of our community."

A visibly happy Newell said Wednesday that she planned to "absolutely represent every single constituent in the same manner."

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated, in error, that Newell's win gives the Democrats a 20-15 majority in the Colorado Senate. As Newell succeeds outgoing state Sen. Steve Ward (R-Littleton), her victory increases the Democrats' majority to 21-14.