Democrat Tony Evers has defeated Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in a nailbiter, denying the polarizing Republican and one-time presidential candidate a third term.

"It's time for a change. The voters of Wisconsin spoke and they agree a change is coming," said Tony Evers to a crowd at his watch party in Madison.

Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is not conceding defeat to Democrat Tony Evers.

WATCH LIVE NOW: ELECTION NIGHT COVERAGE: The latest on the historic and tight race for Wisconsin Governor. Watch as the race is called by the Associated Press and new return numbers come into the #NBC15 newsroom. #WIelection #ElectionDay2018 Posted by NBC15 Madison on Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Unofficial results show Evers beat Walker by about 29,000 votes, or just over 1 percentage point, out of more than 2.6 million votes cast. State law only permits recounts for losing candidates who are within 1 percentage point.

Walker campaign spokesman Brian Reisinger says, "We need the official canvass and for military ballots to be counted before any decision can be made."

Just before the race was called for Evers, Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch told supporters to prepare for a "long, drawn-out recount."

The race is the closest for Wisconsin governor since 1962 when the outcome was within 1 percentage point.

WATCH LIVE NOW: ELECTION NIGHT COVERAGE: The latest on the tight race for Wisconsin Governor just before 1 a.m. Wednesday. Live updates from Kalie Greenberg and Hannah Flood, who are following the Evers and Walker campaigns. #NBC15 #WIelection #ElectionDay2018 Posted by NBC15 Madison on Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Evers' win on Tuesday is a huge victory for Democrats, who couldn't find the recipe to take out Walker in three previous elections, including a 2012 recall.

Evers campaigned on the promise of cutting middle-class income taxes, eliminating a tax credit program for manufacturers and possibly raising the gas tax to pay for roads.

"My priority has always been what's for the state and people of Wisconsin. I can promise you this, I'll be focused on solving problems, not picking political fights, never make promises I cannot keep, and I will always work for you," said Evers.

Evers is a former teacher who's been state schools superintendent since 2009. He turned his understated personality to his advantage in the campaign, arguing that voters were tired of divisiveness and yearned for more collegial politics.