Following is a statement from the Greg Vital campaign:

Although it was a very close race, the election is over. The ballots are in and hopefully all the votes have been counted accurately. There is no need for a recount. It has come down to two-tenths of one percent difference out of 16,000 votes cast.

I’d like to thank my wife, Carlene, who has been involved and supportive throughout this entire process. I’d also like to thank my family, my staff, all my supporters, and volunteers who have campaigned tirelessly for over four months.

I decided to run for State Senate with the purest of intentions, which was to continue my track record of public service to my community. We have met hundreds of incredible people along the way and that is a gift I will never forget. I am deeply humbled by the support of our shared vision for the future of Bradley and Hamilton Counties.

I have been a proud Republican and conservative since I started voting in the mid-1970s. I believe in good government and free enterprise. My reputation in this town has been honorable on all levels in the business community and state wide, as reflected by the broad-based financial support and bipartisan interest in my campaign.

My goal in this race was to convince voters of my abilities with a positive campaign. Never did I attack my opponent or the media. I don’t believe negative tactics, character assassination, or violating journalistic ethics are a respectable under any circumstances.

I look forward to getting back to my family and my business in the private sector, creating jobs, and volunteering with nonprofit organizations, like I have for almost 30 years. Thank you again to everyone who believed the truth about me. My prayers are with the people of District 10.

The primary winner, Todd Gardenhire, will face Democratic Party nominee Andraé McGary in the November general election.