Mark Kelly announced to be victorious over Sen. Martha McSally

"I am deeply honored that Arizonans have trusted me to be their next United States Senator and to serve in this seat once held by Senator John McCain," Mark Kelly said on Facebook Nov. 4, 2020. (Courtesy of Captain Mark Kelly on Facebook)

Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain and astronaut, has won the U.S Senate race against Republican incumbent Sen. Martha McSally.

This change in leadership is making history as the first pair of Democratic senators to represent Arizona since the 1950s.

88% of the election results in the race for Senate have been reported with Kelly beating McSally 52-47%.

See related: Election 2020 Results: What we know so far

“I am deeply honored that Arizonans have trusted me to be their next United States Senator and to serve in this seat once held by Senator John McCain,” Mark Kelly said in a statement.

McSally and Kelly raised millions in support of their campaigns as audiences across the state and around the nation anticipated the prospective winner. In addition to the record-breaking fundraising, this year’s race has set a new record for the number of voters in Arizona, with more than 4 million residents registered, according to the state’s elections division.

Downtown ASU student Wesley Johnson, who has been following the election and supporting Kelly, expressed excitement for the outcome.

“I attended the rally where he announced his intent to run for Senate in 2019. I believe he would bring substantial change and a new perspective to the Senate that would be beneficial for myself and others who look like me,” Johnson said.

Since the election, Kelly has received messages of encouragement from elected officials, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

“You did it! From the Navy to NASA, you’ve never shied away from a tough fight. I know you’ll bring exactly that drive and spirit as you fight for the people of Arizona in the Senate,” Warren said.

Kelly’s win is a step in a new direction for the political landscape of Arizona. The state is on its way to turning blue for the first time in 24 years, with Democrat Joe Biden still leading ahead of President Donald Trump as of Thursday night.

Prior to the election, Kelly gained voter interest because of the campaign’s partisan independence. He worked with a campaign team and his wife Gabby Giffords, a former member of the House of Representatives, to build his political image.

His campaign website expressed intentions to focus on gun safety, decrease the spread of COVID-19, and provide affordable healthcare for individuals with preexisting conditions.

While Kelly prepares for this new step in his political career, McSally has not given up hope for her chance in the race.

Caroline Anderegg, a spokesperson for the McSally campaign, released a statement calling Fox News’ announcement on the projected winner “irresponsible.”

McSally’s camp said it plans to wait until all votes have been counted because “the race isn’t over,” Anderegg said.

According to a report from azcentral.com, after all ballots are processed, Kelly is expected to be sworn into the Senate before it returns from recess for its post-election, lame-duck session.

This quick succession of power will happen by Nov. 30, allowing for the 117th Congress to convene.

Contact the reporter at jkeese@asu.edu