Cicilline: Win was result of hard work

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Congressman David Cicilline fought off a tough challenge to win a second term in Washington.

Cicilline defeated Republican Brendan Doherty, 53 percent, compared to Doherty's 41 percent. That margin was wider than expected, after the two candidates were neck and neck in polls, and multiple rounds of negative campaign ads.

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Eyewitness News caught up with the newly re-elected congressman as he thanked supporters Wednesday morning at a coffee shop on Providence’s East Side.

“It was the result of a lot of hard work,” said Cicilline.

Gracious in defeat, Brendan Doherty said he would change nothing.

“You know this is set to be the most expensive congressional race in the history of Rhode Island, so, I worked hard, I left it all on the field. I have no regrets,” said Doherty, Tuesday night after his concession speech.

While Cicilline said he didn't have moments of doubt, he did say it was a fight.

“I think there were a lot of people, when we were down 15 or 16 points would’ve said, ‘Go look for a new career. Do something different.’ But, I knew what was at stake,” said Cicilline.