Susan Hutchison has conceded the King County Executive race to opponent Dow Constantine after the second round of ballot returns from the Nov. 3 general election released Nov. 4 showed her trailing 42.26 percent to 57.53 percent.

Her campaign offered the following statement:

"Although we are encouraged to see tens of thousands of additional votes in our favor this afternoon, we are certain the final outcome in this race will remain the same.

"This afternoon I called my opponent, Dow Constantine, to congratulate him on his election to King County Executive. Because the new Executive has only a few weeks until taking office, I want him to be able to move forward quickly to accomplish an orderly transition.

"I am grateful for the tremendous support from our King County citizens throughout this campaign. Hundreds of thousands of voters recognized the need for new leadership in King County and believed in our promise to bring that change.

"I encourage Dow Constantine to reach out to all our voters in the county, setting aside divisive politics to solve the complex problems before us.

"Although the outcome is not what we hoped for, it does not diminish my love of this county and its people. For nearly 29 years, I have chosen to live in King County and raise my family here. I will continue to serve this community as I have done and look forward to a bright future."

Constantine claimed victory in the race after the initial Nov. 3 results. In his acceptance speech, he reached out to Hutchison supporters, asking them to give him a chance as King County Executive.