Incumbent Republican Sen. Rob Portman has defeated former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland in the race for Ohio’s Senate seat up for re-election this year, according to the Associated Press.

Portman’s 58 percent of the vote was leading Strickland’s 38 percent as of 7:40 p.m.

Also on the ballot were independent candidates Tom Connors and Scott Rupert, both of whom recieved two percent of the vote. Green Party candidate Joseph DeMarre attained one percent, according to AP.

In initial polls, the race was predicted to be a close one, but as election day neared, Portman mounted a significant lead over Strickland.

College Republicans and Portman’s campaign were not immediately available for comment.

“I called Senator Portman to congratulate him and I wish him well in representing the people of Ohio in the Senate,” Strickland said in a statement released to the press. “I have dedicated my life to working for working people because that’s where I come from, that’s who I care about, and that who I will always stand up for.”

This article is subject to updates as more information becomes available