Republican candidate Neil C. Parrott conceded the race for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District on Thursday.

On election night on Nov. 5, April McClain Delaney, a Montgomery County Democrat, led by around 315 votes. Once mail-in votes were counted, the Associated Press called the race for Delaney on Nov. 9.

“The vast majority of votes have now been counted, and it has become clear that April McClain-Delaney will be elected to this Congressional seat,” Parrott said in a statement Thursday. “I wish Mrs. McClain-Delaney all the best as she executes her duties to serve the people of Maryland’s 6th Congressional District over the next two years.”

The congressional district — the most competitive in the state — stretches from Montgomery County, a very blue Washington suburb, through purple Frederick County and into the Republican-oriented, far western region of Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. Parrott was previously a state delegate from Washington County.

In the contested district, there are 205,555 registered Democrats, 175,738 Republicans and 131,400 unaffiliated voters.

“I am very thankful for the enthusiastic, grassroots support of people from all walks of life who worked alongside us over the last several months,” Parrott said in the statement. “I am thankful for all of the business owners, farmers, and elected officials who took the time to help me understand the unique needs and strengths of our communities.”

The race was thought to hold national importance over the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. But on Thursday a Republican victory for an Arizona seat gave the party 218 seats and majority control.

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