Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) won re-election after a close race in which Democrats were holding out hope that they would be able to knock off a potential 2016 presidential contender.

Mary Burke, a businesswoman and political novice, surprised many observers when polls showed that she was running neck and neck with Walker up until the end. Democrats hammered the governor on his record on job creation, women's rights and a lingering ethics scandal, while Republicans accused Burke of outsourcing jobs and tried to tie her to national Democrats and President Barack Obama.

Walker has slipped out of Democrats' grasp in the past, surviving a recall election in 2012. First elected in the tea party wave in 2010, he has been high on Democrats' most-wanted list since he went after union rights in 2011. His efforts polarized the state and infuriated labor activists, making him a rising star for the conservative movement.

Walker, however, seemed worried about his re-election chances up until the end, saying he needed more help from the Republican Governors Association.

But the race always remained a top priority for the party, according to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, who is also from Wisconsin. He recently told Slate that it would not be a "good night" if Republicans took back the Senate but Walker lost.

"Walker represents not just the future of Wisconsin," he said, "but the future of our party and the future of people that make promises and keep promises, and whether they can be rewarded for doing those things.”

National Democrats also came in to help Burke, with campaign appearances from Obama and the first lady, as well as former President Bill Clinton. Burke put $5 million of her own money into the race, and outside groups gave millions to the effort to boost Walker. According to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, it's likely that more than $60 million was spent on the race.

A loss would have dealt a serious blow to Walker's national ambitions. In September, he refused to commit to serving a full four-year term if re-elected.

But immediately after his win, Walker told The Associated Press that a decision on whether he will run for president "will have to wait" while he focuses on state matters.

"In a second term, we will move forward with policies aimed at helping people keep more of their paychecks through continued property and income tax relief, helping people learn more to earn more through worker training, and helping move people from government dependence to true independence through work," Walker said in a statement. "Our number one goal over this next term is to ensure that everyone who wants a job, can find a job."

This post has been updated with statements from Walker.