Rep. Jeff Flake (R) has defeated Richard Carmona (D) to become the next senator from Arizona, cable networks projected.
The congressman, who has served in the House since 2001, ran as a conservative focused on opposing government spending and earmarks.
He will replace Sen. Jon Kyl (R), the No. 2 Republican in the chamber who did not seek reelection.
Carmona, a physician and former public health official, was long seen as the underdog in the solidly Republican state but mounted a serious challenge for the seat, running close to Flake in numerous polls.
Correction: We initially reported that Flake has served in Congress since 2003, but in fact Flake’s first term began in 2001. We regret the error.
