Michael Bennet defeats Republican Joe O’Dea in Colorado Senate race

Democrat Michael Bennet has won reelection to the Senate in Colorado, defeating Republican newcomer Joe O’Dea, several outlets projected.

Colorado’s race became a surprise toss-up over the election campaign, with polls showing the candidates evenly matched.

O’Dea, a first-time candidate, set himself apart from other Republicans in this election by positioning himself as a moderate who distanced himself from former president Donald Trump and accepted the 2020 election results.

Bennet has held his seat in the Senate since 2009. Like other Democrats in toss-up races, Bennet sought to distance himself somewhat from Biden during his campaign, saying he disagreed with the president’s approach to student loan forgiveness.