HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – State Representative Patty Kim was elected to the State Senate, replacing retiring lawmaker John DiSanto (R) to represent the City of Harrisburg as well as communities such as Middletown and Hershey.

DiFrancesco conceded shortly after midnight on Wednesday morning.

"After a hard-fought race, the people of Dauphin County have decided to elect Patty Kim as their next State Senator," DiFrancesco said. "I called Representative Kim this evening to congratulate her on her victory."

Kim was born to first-generation Korean immigrants who moved to California in the 1960s.

She graduated from Boston College in 1995 before moving to Harrisburg and started working at a local television station. In 2005, Kim stepped into the political arena when she ran for a seat on the Harrisburg City Council.

In 2012 was elected to serve in the 103rd State House seat representing parts of Dauphin and Cumberland counties.

Kim's key priorities include fighting for a living wage for workers, affordable housing for all, funding public schools, and protecting reproductive rights.

In response to her win, Senator-elect Patty Kim said the following:

"Today's election results are not just a victory for me and my campaign — this victory is for the people of the 15th Senatorial District who made their voice heard loud and clear. Together, we are going to finish the work we began together on the campaign trail.I look forward to rolling up my sleeves on day one and getting to work expanding the freedoms and opportunities of my friends and neighbors. From raising the minimum wage to ensuring every family has access to excellent schools, jobs, and healthcare, our movement has only just begun.

"My journey from local government to the State House and now to the Senate has humbled me at every turn. It's a deep honor to represent my communities and advocate for our shared values. As I embark on my first term as a State Senator, I intend to show up for everyone who calls the 15th home, regardless of who they voted for.

"I'm incredibly grateful and honored to have been elected to this seat. Now, we get to work."

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