Democratic candidate Maggie Hassan has claimed victory in a narrow win over Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire.
The win would be one of two pick-ups for Democrats in the Senate. Republicans will still control that chamber for the next two years.
.@maggiehassan claims victory in US Senate race against @KellyAyotte. #nhsen #nhpolitics #wbz #wbznews pic.twitter.com/GeQpR9KW6G
— Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) November 9, 2016
RELEASE: With 100% Of The Vote In, Maggie Hassan Wins New Hampshire Senate Seat By 716 Votes https://t.co/pG47M0DOgK #nhpolitics #nhsen
— Maggie Hassan (@Maggie_Hassan) November 9, 2016
The New Hampshire Union Leader reports:
During a hastily-called press conference outside the State House, Hassan said she's ahead now by enough votes to survive returns from the few outstanding towns that are left.
“I am proud to stand here as the next United States senator from New Hampshire,” Hassan said to cheers from a large group of supporters led by Congresswoman Annie Kuster and Hassan's husband, Tom.
The two-term governor said she hadn't spoken with Ayotte.
It's clear we have maintained the lead in and have won this race,” Hassan said.
Sen. Ayotte issued a brief statement after Hassan's event but did not concede and deferred to Secretary of State Bill Gardner's final results.
"I am proud to stand here as the next United States Senator from New Hampshire." – MH #nhsen #nhpolitics pic.twitter.com/gispA12dMx
— Maggie Hassan (@Maggie_Hassan) November 9, 2016
With such a slim margin, Ayotte announced she's still in the race.
“This has been a closely contested race from the beginning and we look forward to results being announced by the Secretary of State, and ensuring that every vote is counted in this race that has received an historic level of interest,” spokeswoman Liz Johnson said in a statement.
Previously, Ayotte flip-flopped on whether she considered Donald Trump a role model for our kids.
