Gay Rep. Maloney Dealt Slight Setback in New York Primary

The New York congresswoman who was ousted by out politician Sean Patrick Maloney in 2012 is back to battle for her old seat, and she made a big step by capturing the Independent Party nomination.

While former Republican representative Nan Hayworth is uncontested for the Republican and Conservative party candidacies and incumbent Maloney was uncontested as the Democratic and Working Families candidate, the two faced off Tuesday in the Independent Party primary, with Hayworth narrowly winning. As of Wednesday afternoon with Hayworth had 729 votes for the Independent Party nomination, versus Maloney's 649 votes, according to the State Board of Elections.

Maloney called her to congratulate her on her win Tuesday night, reports The Journal News in New York's Lower Hudson Valley.

"I look forward to a debate about our visions for the country this fall,'' Maloney said in his concession statement. "I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning and keep putting points on the board for my hard-working Hudson Valley neighbors."

The 18th Congressional District includes Putnam and Orange counties, and parts of Westchester and Dutchess counties.

Maloney and his partner of 22 years wed earlier this week in Cold Spring, N.Y. They have three children together.