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Republican Sen. Ron Johnson narrowly won reelection over Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes and will serve a third term in the Senate, NBC News projected.
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Wisconsin has been closely watched as a swing state this election. Since 2011, it has been one of the few U.S. states to have both a Democratic and Republican senator serve simultaneously.
While Barnes was seen as the frontrunner earlier this season, Johnson quickly picked up the advantage and significantly widened his margin over the last two months. He was three points ahead of Barnes in polls released a day before the election.
On the campaign trail, Johnson advocated for ending the automatic renewal of programs like Medicare and Social Security. His more recent rallies have focused on downplaying systemic racism in the United States, telling voters that Democrats have made an issue out of something nonexistent.
Barnes campaigned as a social progressive, endorsing massive overhaul programs like the Green New Deal and Medicare for All. He previously expressed support for defunding the police, but more recently tried walking back on his comments.
Barnes’ team have framed Johnson as a candidate who is dangerous for American democracy, highlighting Johnson’s staunch support of former President Donald Trump.
