Incumbent First Selectman Peter Tesei has declared victory in his re-election bid.

Tesei beat political newcomer Sandy Litvack, an attorney running on the Democratic ticket, to claim his sixth term in office.

During his victory speech, he joked that winning this latest term was a lot harder than winning the first five. 

"Certainly a little bit closer than I would have liked," he told News 12 Connecticut afterward. "But given the dynamics, given the resources that were brought in on behalf of the opposition, I feel quite good that we were able to overcome it."

He likened his political career to his past time in financial services -- as a relationship business.

"I believe community politics is the same," he said. "I've developed lasting relationships with many of our electorate. I feel passionately about our people...Perhaps that gave me the edge to pull it over the top."

Tesei has touted Greenwich's fiscal responsibility since he's been in office. He argued that Greenwich has remained strong even though the state has had some financial struggles. He also said tax increases have remained low.