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DES MOINES, Iowa – Joni Ernst has been elected as the next U.S. Senator from Iowa. The Republican, a state Senator from Red Oak, defeated Democrat U.S. Representative Bruce Braley in one of the nation’s closest watched elections.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Decision 2014

PHOTO GALLERY: Ernst Elected to US Senate

VIDEO: Ernst Claims Victory

VIDEO: Braley Delivers Concession Speech

RESULTS: Election Day 2014

Ernst will fill the seat currently occupied by Senator Tom Harkin. Harkin, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 1985, announced in January 2013 that he would retire at the end of his term in January 2015.

Recent polls had shown Ernst pulling ahead, a poll released by the Des Moines Register this weekend showed her with a seven point lead. A Quinnipiac University poll released Monday showed the race was tied at 47%.

Ernst will be sworn in to the Senate in January.



WATCH: Joni Ernst's Victory Speech

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WATCH: Bruce Braley's Concession Speech

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PHOTO GALLERY: Joni Ernst Elected to US Senate

GOP supporters gather around screens as the results come in (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

Supporters looked on anxiously as it became clear the senate race was going to be close (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

Cheers as Gov. Branstad was reelected for a record sixth term (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

The senate race had still yet to be called at the Republican headquarters (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

Dozens of local and nation media covered the results (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

The view from the podium where Gov. Branstad and Joni Ernst were soon to speak from (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds introduces the nation's longest serving governor (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

Gov. Branstad won a record 6th gubernatorial election (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

Gov. Branstad shakes supporters' hands after becoming the nation's longest serving governor. (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

State agriculture secretary Bill Northey (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

WHO-HD political director Dave Price prepares for a live shot shortly before Ernst's victory is confirmed (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

The newly elected Sen. Joni Ernst talked of cutting pork from Washington (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

Joni Ernst celebrates becoming Iowa first female senator (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

Ernst's husband Gail looks on (WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)

(WHO-HD/Sam Hoyle)