Washington ( CNN ) -- Republican Ed Gillespie conceded the Virginia Senate race Friday to incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner . Gillespie said at a Friday afternoon news conference that he had called Warner `` congratulating him on his re-election '' in a race that turned out to be one of the midterm election 's biggest surprises . Polls had shown Warner , a popular former governor who 'd been endorsed by his Republican predecessor , ex-Sen. John Warner , with a hefty lead . But Gillespie led Warner for much of the night as returns trickled in Tuesday -- and ultimately ended up trailing by less than one percentage point . Get ready : 2016 starts now . He said he would challenge the result `` if I believed that there were any conceivable way '' to win in a recount . He said he 'd forwarded complaints about voter irregularities on to Virginia election officials , but that those votes would n't change the race 's outcome . `` In my head and in my heart , I know that a change in outcome is not possible , '' he said . `` The numbers just are n't there , and it 's time to accept the decision of my fellow Virginians . '' Gillespie 's surprisingly strong showing has fueled speculation that he could run again for statewide office -- including possibly for governor . What happened to Mark Warner ?
Republican Ed Gillespie conceded Virginia 's unexpectedly close Senate race . Gillespie said he considered asking for a recount but that he decided against it . Democratic Sen. Mark Warner retains his seat .