Former astronaut Mark Kelly has defeated his Republican rival in the Arizona Senate race.
In a statement, 58-year-old Kelly, a senator in office, said: “Thank you to the people of Arizona for re-electing me to the United States Senate.”
“From day one, this campaign has been about the many Democrats, Independents and Republicans — who believe in working together to tackle the important challenges we face.”
“This is exactly what I have done in my first two years in office and I will continue to do as long as I am there.”
“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve as Arizona’s senator.”
“I am humbled by the trust that our country has placed in me to continue this work.”
Kelly is a former US Navy captain and retired astronaut who made four spacewalks, including missions delivering equipment, supplies and crew to the International Space Station.
His Republican rival for the Arizona seat was Blake Masters, a 36-year-old venture capitalist.
Mr. Kelly’s victory leaves the Senate tied at 49-49, with control hanging on races in Nevada and Georgia.
And if Democrats were to win Nevada, they would secure 50 seats and thus control of the Senate, as the vice president, Kamala Harris, has a tie-breaking vote.
If the Republicans win in Nevada, control of the Senate will be decided in the Georgia runoff on December 6.
