Ted Cruz Retains Senate Seat Against Democrat Beto O'Rourke

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has been re-elected to a second term in the United States Senate, after narrowing defeating Democratic Congressman Beto O'Rourke whose campaign became a national media sensation. With 85% of precincts reporting, Cruz leads O'Rourke 51 percent to 48 percent and by about 200,000 votes out of six million cast. 

The highly-anticipated race was being watched by pundits around the country as money and endorsements poured in for O'Rourke. However, Cruz's victory Tuesday night poured a big dose of cold water on Democrat's hopes of retaking the Senate. 

"Ted Cruz knows how to get the job done for Texans and tonight’s victory shows voters trust him to put their values first,” National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Cory Gardner said in a statement. "Senator Cruz has been an unfailing champion for secure borders, a prosperous economy and the American rule of law, and we congratulate him on his reelection."

While Cruz managed to maintain a consistent lead in the race, O'Rourke out-raised the Republican handily, bringing in more than $70 million for his campaign's war chest vs Cruz's $40 million take. O'Rourke's ability to lure big cash and big crowds to his rallies had Democrats hoping they could pick up a senate seat in Texas for the first time since 1988. 

Texas voters also re-elected the state's Republican governor, Greg Abbott to a second term. 

Photo: Getty Images