ALBANY, N.Y. -- Democrat Scott Murphy has declared victory in the 20th district congressional race after republican Jim Tedisco called him to concede Friday afternoon.

Murphy addressed the media for the first time as a congressman elect, saying he's looking forward to beginning his new job and working with President Obama, who called to congratulate him already.

Murphy said that his win is an indication that people are ready for something new.

"We saw the Friday after this election, it was a dead even tie, exactly tied. That doesn't happen very often and I think it really showed people how important it for people to vote and I think you saw how strong this district is when you saw the turnout. Nobody expected a 160,000 people to vote in this election. It's a tribute to all of the people here in the 20th district, that they did come out to vote and I'm proud to represent them,” Murphy said.

Murphy said he expects he will head down to the Capitol next week to be sworn in. He's asked to be on the Agriculture and House Financial Services Committees.