Republican candidate Rick Saccone conceded defeat in the tight race for Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District, clearing the way for Democrat Conor Lamb to be sworn in next month.

"Just got off the phone with my opponent," Lamb announced on Twitter, "who congratulated me & graciously conceded last Tuesday's election. I congratulate Mr. Saccone for a close, hard-fought race & wish him the best."

Saccone and Republicans had suggested they might seek a recount in the tight race. But the official vote count, which began on Friday, found Lamb adding to his lead, ending Wednesday more than 800 votes ahead of Saccone.

Lamb will represent the Pittsburgh-area district through the end of the year. Both he and Saccone are now candidates in new districts drawn by the state Supreme Court after it overruled a Republican-drawn map.