CROWN POINT | Democrat David Uran yanked Crown Point from the grasp of a divided city Republican Party on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old former city police officer secured Crown Point's top job with slightly more than half of the votes, according to unofficial election results. His opponent, Republican Gayle Van Sessen, conceded at 8:16 p.m.

"It's unbelievable," Uran shouted, standing atop a chair at White Hawk Country Club to address the crowd of well-wishers.

He said enthusiasm is what endeared him to voters.

"We did a lot of things that weren't done before," Uran said, citing his DVD campaign message, airplane advertising and other ideas. "We've gone from a family of six to a family of 24,000 now. ... I won't let them down."

He will be only the second Democratic leader in the city's history. Sixteen years ago, former Democratic Mayor Jim Metros snatched victory from a split Republican Party to become the first. Metros served three terms.

History appeared to repeat itself Tuesday night.

Van Sessen said her campaign was eroded by party dissension.

Longtime Republican City Councilman Bob Corbin openly supported Uran, and current Mayor Dan Klein refused to endorse Van Sessen after he was defeated in a volatile May 8 primary.

"I'm somewhat disappointed in the Republicans in this community," Van Sessen said quietly. "Maybe this community just is not ready for a lady mayor."

Republican City Chairman John Moos disagreed.

"I don't believe there was a split in the Republican Party," he said. "We worked as hard as we could. ... I'm glad they both ran clean campaigns."

Uran's campaign was marked by support from some of the area's most influential Democrats.

U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, Lake County Sheriff Rogelio "Roy" Dominguez, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. and Gary Mayor and Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Rudy Clay were among those who threw their weight behind Uran.

Van Sessen said she looks forward to working with Uran and will continue to be an advocate for the Crown Point business community. The 53-year-old is executive director of the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce.

"I'll just go to work at the chamber and stay there and do my thing," she said.

Uran said he learned never to take anything for granted by being a Cubs fan.

"A big thanks to Crown Point residents for trusting me with their future," he said. "There are ups and downs in every election. ... I guarantee ya we had more ups than downs."