Marty Walsh will be the next Mayor of Boston.

Walsh beat John Connolly in the City’s first mayoral election in 20 year’s not featuring incumbent Mayor Tom Menino on the ballot.

In a race that appeared neck-and-neck with over half of the precincts reporting, Connolly conceded the vote to mayor-elect Walsh.

During a candid and heartfelt concession speech shortly at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Connolly told a packed crowd, “This campaign looked like the entire City of Boston from day one, and I’m so proud of that.”

“Someday, I want to be standing out there watching you, up here, except we’re going to be cheering,” Connolly told a room of his supporters gathered at the Westin Copley Hotel.

Connolly graciously thanked Mayor Tom Menino for his service: “Mayor Menino has given this city his heart and soul for 20 years … I want to thank him for being a great mayor.”

After thanking his wife, Meg, for her tireless support throughout the campaign, Connolly turned the focus to Walsh.

“Marty Walsh is a good man. He wants to do good things for Boston. He will do good things for Boston.”

Shortly before 11 p.m. Walsh took to the podium at Park Plaza for his acceptance speech, following introductory speeches from endorsers Charlotte Golar Richie, John Barros and Felix Arroyo.

“This is Boston strong,” Walsh said, addressing a room of upwards of 1,000 people. “Together we’re going to make Boston even stronger.”

“In January, Boston begins a new era… we know Boston is a strong city and a fortunate city,” he continued.

In front of a packed stage of family, friends and supporters, Walsh seemed humbled, yet invigorated.

“It’s not my victory, it’s your victory.”

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