McSally Concedes To Kelly In U.S. Senate Race

ARIZONA — Republican Sen. Martha McSally has conceded the race for Arizona's open senate seat to Democratic challenger Mark Kelly after 10 days of vote counting.

As of Friday morning, the Arizona Secretary of State's office reported that Kelly had earned 1,712,777 votes to McSally's 1,633,439. Arizona has just over 10,000 votes left to count.

In a statement, McSally said she called Kelly Friday morning to congratulate him on his win.

"With nearly all the votes counted, I called Mark Kelly this morning to congratulate him on winning this race," the outgoing senator said. "I also offered support in his transition to ensure Arizonans are best served during this time. I wish him all the best."

McSally was appointed to the seat in 2019 by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey following the death of longtime Republican Sen. John McCain. She previously lost a 2018 race for the senate to Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Arizona.

McSally previously served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives following an illustrious military career; she was the first American woman to fly in combat and the first to command a fighter plane.

Arizona's Senate race has gained national attention this year, as it was one that was seen as key to tipping power in the U.S. Senate, currently held by Republican lawmakers, toward the Democratic Party. Kelly and former Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado are projected to have defeated their Republican opponents, while Democratic Sen. Doug Jones lost his seat to Republican challenger Tommy Tuberville in Alabama. Democrats needed to gain four seats in the Senate with the expected loss of Jones to gain control.

The battle between Kelly and McSally has become the state's most expensive political race ever, with the two candidates pulling in over $133.7 million as of Sept. 30.

Republican McSally had raised $50.9 million, while Kelly reported raising $82.8 million by that point, according to FEC reports.

Democrat President-elect Joe Biden is also projected to win the historically red state in 2020. Arizona election results are set to be certified on Nov. 30.

While McSally isn't sure what her next steps are, she said she was honored to have served Arizona, especially during such unprecedented times.

"While falling short, I am deeply humbled to have received the second most votes ever cast by Arizonans for a statewide race," her statement continued. "Like nearly everything in my life, it was a high-risk, high-purpose fight. Thank you to all my faithful wingmen and wingwomen. I am truly proud of our effort, as we left it all out on the field."