Ron Johnson declared winner in U.S. Senate race

 

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) – It appears Ron Johnson will serve a third term as U.S. senator for Wisconsin, defeating Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes in the midterms.

Results show Johnson with 51% of the vote compared to Barnes’ 49% with 100% of precincts reporting.

Johnson was first elected in 2010 after successfully running a plastic sheeting manufacturing company with his brother-in-law in Oshkosh.

He gained nationwide attention by being a strong advocate of President Trump.

A Marquette University Law School poll put Johnson with a slim lead over Barnes going into the election.

Around 1:00 a.m., Johnson told everyone it was over, but that he would wait for the official word.

By late morning, multiple news agencies confirmed Johnson victorious, After, he talked on the Dan O'Donnell Show, and was asked about why he thought the predicted red wave of Republican winners didn't happen.

"We need to get to the bottom of our miserably fated response to Covid so that can be a motivating factor for me. The question I keep asking is how bad does it have to get economically, national security wise before democratic voters wake up the fact the policies pushed by their elected officials are disastrous for this country," said Johnson.

"We like the way the wave went, you know. The big red wave turned out to be a trickle," said Mary Boyce, Oshkosh resident.

In the shadow of the Oshkosh city limit sign, the tight race finally being called is what people were talking about.

"I'm happy to see Ron back in. I thought he did a good job and I don't think Mandela was all that he was cracked up to be," said Oshkosh resident Brian Koehler.

In a statement, Johnson thanked family and supporters, saying he will do what he can to make things better for Wisconsinites. While we didn't get to see Johnson today, we did see his democratic challenger Mandela Barnes' concession speech.

"Now unfortunately, we didn't get over the finish line this time, but I know that this movement has meant so much to all of us, and just because we didn't get across the finish line that does not mean it's over," said Mandela Barnes.

Words that we have been hearing at his campaign stops have been echoed after the vin -- Johnson saying that he is moving forward to heal and unify our country.

This is a developing story. Stick with CBS 58 for updates on-air and online.