Author: Will Kenneally

In an early call, Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin staves off a challenge by Republican state Sen. Leah Vukmir.

“After more than $14 million of nasty attack ads, it means nothing,” Baldwin said in her victory speech. “I had something that they didn't, I had you.”

The race was called by ABC News only a few minutes after the polls closed. Pre-election polling gave Baldwin a commanding double-digit lead over Vukmir, and the latest election results yielded a similar victory for the Madison Democrat. In the current vote total she leads Vukmir 55-45.

“In Wisconsin we believe we are all in this together, and that's what this campaign has been about,” Baldwin said.

Vukmir delivered a short concession speech, saying she “fought the good fight.”

“I have fought the good fight and I have finished the race and I have kept the faith,” she said. “I'm asking all of you for the sake of our state and our country to do the same.”

Vukmir gave up her seat in the state Senate to challenge Baldwin. When asked what her post-election plans were, the campaign was not immediately available for comment. Her seat remained under Republican control, won Tuesday by state Rep. Dale Kooyenga.

Other congressional races:

In Wisconsin's open 1st Congressional District, vacated by the retiring Paul Ryan, Republican Bryan Steil beat Democrat Randy Bryce 55-42. All Wisconsin incumbents retained their seats.

The Wisconsin congressional delegation will be: Bryan Steil, R-Janesville; Mark Pocan, D-Town of Vermont; Ron Kind, D-La Crosses; Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee; Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Menomonee Falls; Glenn Grothman, R-Glenbeulah; Sean Duffy, R-Wausau; and Mike Gallagher, R-Green Bay.