Mike Braun declared winner of Indiana’s Senate race

It’s a victory the GOP has dreamed of ever since Donnelly unexpectedly won in 2012 after Republican nominee Richard Mourdock made incendiary comments about abortion and rape.

However, few would have predicted Braun’s win when he entered the race last year. The multimillionaire auto parts magnate was a little-known state representative when he launched his bid.

But Braun used his own wealth to out-fundraise two better known congressmen during a bitter GOP primary that was fueled on personal attacks.

Indiana has elected conservative Democrats but increasingly trended Republican in recent years.

Donnelly released a statement after conceding to Braun:

A few minutes ago, I called Mike Braun and congratulated him on winning a hard-fought race. I’d like to thank every single American who believed in this campaign and worked to make it successful, and every Hoosier whom I have come across over the last six years who helped me to better serve my state. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to represent Indiana in the Senate. I wish Mike the best, and I hope he makes every single Hoosier proud as our senator.

Donnelly’s defeat leaves Indiana without any statewide-elected Democrats.

President Trump and surrogates stumped repeatedly for Braun.

Vice President Pence tweeted congratulations to Braun after his victory.

Good work Indiana on electing @Braun4Indiana as the next Senator from the Hoosier state! Mike Braun will make us proud in Washington & will FIGHT for @RealDonaldTrump’s #MAGA agenda. I look forward to working with him! https://t.co/H33ryiDS0e— Mike Pence (@mike_pence) November 7, 2018