Susan Hutchison this afternoon conceded that her opponent, Dow Constantine, has won the King County executive election.

Hutchison, a former TV news anchor, congratulated Constantine in a written statement. "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," she said.

Hutchison acknowledged Constantine's victory after he widened his lead when 53,412 more votes were counted this afternoon. He had 57.5 percent of the votes, to her 42.3 percent.

"Although the outcome is not what we hoped for, it does not diminish my love of this county and its people," Hutchison said in her statement. "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."

She said she had called Constantine, chairman of the Metropolitan King County Council, to congratulate him.

Read Hutchison's full statement after the jump.

Susan Hutchison's Statement Thanking Supporters and Congratulating Dow Constantine

King County, WA -- 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.