Lt. Gov. John Fetterman wins, defeating Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz in pivotal Pennsylvania Senate race

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman has defeated Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz in one of the nation’s premier Senate contests that was seen as an opportunity for Democrats to maintain control of a Senate that is currently divided 50-50.

NBC News declared Fetterman’s victory early Wednesday morning. As of 1:00 a.m. EST, Fetterman held 49.4% of the vote, marking a significant win for Democrats, who hoped to flip the seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey. 

Two contestants were in a virtual tie in polls leading up to Election Day. Both President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama campaigned for Fetterman throughout Pennsylvania in the weeks leading up to the election. Fetterman even gained an endorsement from Oprah Winfrey, who boosted Oz’s television career, last Thursday.

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Fetterman’s opponent, the celebrity heart surgeon best known as the host of TV’s Dr. Oz Show. Republicans hoped Oz’s unrivaled name recognition would bolster his chances, though a handful of Oz’s Republican colleagues seemed hesitant to get behind his campaign. 

As senator, Fetterman hopes to push Biden to decriminalize marijuana and has expressed his plan to end the War on Drugs.