Democrat John Fetterman has been projected as the winner of Pennsylvania’s U.S Senate election, defeating Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz in a close race.
Among the first outlets to call the race for Fetterman were Fox News and NBC.
As of early Wednesday morning, Fetterman received 49.87 percent of the vote, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Fetterman’s opponent Oz is trailing with 47.69 percent.
Fetterman’s win represents a Democrat flip in a year considered disadvantageous for the sitting president’s party.
At the time of publishing, Oz is yet to concede the race.
However, Fetterman claimed victory early Wednesday morning.
It's official. I will be the next U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania.
We bet on the people of Pennsylvania – and you didn’t let us down
And I won’t let you down. Thank you.
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) November 9, 2022
The Democrat also gave a victory speech in the early hours and thanked his supporters.
Wiping away tears, Senator-elect John Fetterman (D-PA) takes the stage at his victory speech to “Back in Black.” pic.twitter.com/raVlahIHL8
— The Recount (@therecount) November 9, 2022
Fetterman, his state’s lieutenant governor and the former mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, will replace Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican.
The loss amounts to a serious defeat for Republicans.
It complicates the party’s hopes to obtain a majority in the Senate after the midterms.
Results in Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia will ultimately determine the majority in the chamber.
As of early Wednesday morning, Republicans likely need victories in all three states in order to gain a majority.
