Michael Rulli, Ohio Senate Republican from the 33rd District, speaks with colleagues at the Ohio State House Senate Chambers in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Joe Maiorana, File)

Republican Michael Rulli narrowly came out on top in Ohio’s special election on Tuesday, despite the election being held in a district that former President Donald Trump last carried by 29 percentage points.

Ohio 6th Congressional District special election unofficial results:

Michael Rulli (R): 32,627 votes (54.7%)

Michael Kripchak (D): 27,062 (45.3%)

The election was held to fill a vacancy in Ohio’s 6th Congressional District, which was created in January when Rep. Bill Johnson resigned to become president at Youngstown State University.

According to Daily Kos elections writer Stephen Wolf, Ohio’s 6th Congressional District is predominately made up of white voters who do not have college degrees, making the Democratic shift an unexpected outcome.

In addition to serving as an executive for the Rulli Bros. Markets grocery chain, Rulli has served in the Ohio Senate since 2019.

EDITOR’S NOTE (6/13): A previous version of this article stated that Trump won the 6th Congressional District by 41 percentage points. It was actually 29 points.