Beating back a strong challenge by a political newcomer, Alan G. Hevesi defeated J. Christopher Callaghan by a wide margin last night to win a second term as state comptroller and perhaps begin repairing his tattered reputation.

With 92 percent of precincts reporting, Mr. Hevesi was leading Mr. Callaghan, 56.6 percent to 38.6 percent, according to unofficial returns.

The victory represented a major recovery for Mr. Hevesi in what has become the fight of his political life, as he faces governmental and criminal inquiries spurred by Mr. Callaghan's accusations over his use of a state employee to chauffeur his ailing wife for the past three years.

In a victory speech that was as notable for its location away from the other Democrats as for its feistiness, Mr. Hevesi sent a signal that despite his difficulties, he intended to serve out his next term.

"Tonight the people have said they want me to continue serving as their comptroller for the next four years," he told supporters gathered at the Jolly Hotel Madison Towers on Manhattan's East Side in a setting that was anything but jolly, without traditional trappings like drinks and balloons. "I intend to serve and work hard for the people of New York every day of my next four years."