Democrat Tim Walz has retained his position as Minnesota’s governor, defeating Republican Dr. Scott Jensen in a competitive race that attracted unprecedented amounts of spending on advertising.

The Associated Press declared Walz’s victory at 10:24 p.m. CST, less than two-and-a-half hours after the polls closed. As of 10:35 p.m., Walz holds 57% of the vote, marking his second term as Minnesota governor. 

Before being elected governor in 2018, Walz spent 12 years in Congress representing southern Minnesota. He was endorsed by former President Barack Obama last week, just one week after former President Donald Trump endorsed his opponent. 

Walz is looking to keep Minnesota one of the two states in the Midwest that provides access to safe and legal abortions. Jensen publicly stated his intention to push for an abortion ban in Minnesota if elected.

Minnesota has not elected a Republican governor since 2006.