James Hoffa has been reelected to a fifth term as general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in what he called a “historically close election.”

Hoffa, who was first elected in 1998, held his breath as the Teamsters' election supervisor investigated thousands of “challenged ballots” from union members who were not eligible to vote.

Hoffa won by just 6,000 votes, according to unofficial results released Monday.

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His new five-year term will begin in March.

“This was a hard-fought campaign and a historically close election,” Hoffa said in a statement. “Though we have many challenges before us, now is the time to join together as brothers and sisters and stand strong against those who would destroy the labor movement and deny worker’s the gains they have struggled to achieve. We will continue to lead the fight to organize the unorganized, ensure strong health care, good wages, a secure retirement and holding employers and politicians accountable.”

Also reelected was General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall.