Kyrsten Sinema wins, becomes Arizona’s first woman senator

The Associated Press projected that Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (D) has defeated Congresswoman Martha McSally (R) for Arizona’s U.S. Senate seat.

After a nerve-wracking six days in limbo, Sinema’s victory makes her the first woman to represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate.

“I am so honored that Arizonans chose our vision of a better Arizona, and now it’s time to get to work,” said Senator-elect Sinema at a Monday press conference. “We launched this campaign because Arizona veterans and all everyday Arizonans deserve a leader who will fight for them in the United States Senate.”

Back in DC, headed to the first day of Senate school.

I’m overcome with gratitude – thank you Arizona! It’s the privilege of my life to represent you. 🌵 pic.twitter.com/nGr5F4RAo2

— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) November 13, 2018

The win comes after what had been the closest and most expensive Senate race in recent history.

Sinema pulled ahead by nearly 30,000 votes Monday evening after the latest vote tabulation by Maricopa County.

After the AP’s announcement, McSally took to Twitter to congratulate Sinema and thank her supporters.

“I just called Kyrsten Sinema and congratulated her on becoming Arizona’s first female Senator,” McSally said in a video on Twitter. “I wish her all [the] success as she represents Arizona in the Senate. I also want to say thank you to everybody who supported me in this campaign. I’m so grateful for you. I am convinced Arizona is the best state in the country and our best days are yet to come.”

Congrats to @kyrstensinema. I wish her success. I’m grateful to all those who supported me in this journey. I’m inspired by Arizonans’ spirit and our state’s best days are ahead of us. pic.twitter.com/tw0uKgi3oO

— McSally For Senate (@MarthaMcSally) November 13, 2018

At her press conference, Sinema thanked everyone who participated in her campaign and she shared her vision for the future.

“We can embrace difference while seeking common ground. As I head to serve our great state in the United States Senate, I pledge to double down on this approach,” she said. “A few months ago, we lost a legend who exemplified that spirit and all that is best in Arizona. His example shines a light on our way forward. Senator John McCain stood for everything we stand for as Arizonans. It’s up to all of us to carry on Senator McCain’s legacy.”

While Sinema’s race was decided, there are still multiple statewide and legislative races that are too close to call until more ballots are counted.

”Our country is at its best when everyone is engaged, and everyone’s voice is heard. That work isn’t over, and we’ll continue to make sure that every vote is counted.” she said.

Sinema and McSally were running to replace Senator Jeff Flake (R), who announced he would not seek re-election after his term ended.

After the primaries, Flake tweeted his support for both candidates, encouraged that his seat would go to the first woman Senator. Monday evening, he took to social media to congratulate Sinema.

Congratulations to @kyrstensinema and @RepMcSally for winning their respective primary races last night. This seat is now reserved for the first female senator in Arizona's history. How cool is that!

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) August 29, 2018

“Congratulations to @kyrstensinema on a race well run, and won,” he wrote. “It’s been a wonderful honor representing Arizona in the Senate. You’ll be great.”

“It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight, but we can work together to meet the challenges our country faces,” Sinema said. “We can do this differently. For our country, for our future, for Senator McCain and for each other, I think we must.”

To watch Sinema’s entire victory speech click here.