Incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown was declared the winner over opponent Republican Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel in the race for the U.S. Senate, according to the Associated Press.

With 99 percent of the vote counted, Brown led Mandel, 50 to 45 percent, according to unofficial statewide results in the race for the U.S. Senate.

Independent candidate Scott Rupert has garnered 4.6 percent, according unofficial statewide results.

The Senate race is one of the most watched and expensive races in the country. With control of the U.S. Senate hanging in the balance, millions of dollars in donations — some from outside Ohio — began pouring in late last year, helping to bankroll a robust ad campaign that has been, for the most part, relentlessly negative.