In Tarrant County, the state Senate seat once held by Wendy Davis has changed parties, with repercussions for the balance of power in the Texas Senate.

Republican Konni Burton took the lead in early voting and held on to it through the night, finishing with 53 percent and the win. She addressed a fired-up crowd at the Fort Worth stockyards.

"In Tarrant County, we replaced one of the most radical liberals in Texas with a conservative voice," Burton told supporters.

This was a multimillion dollar race, with money pouring in from groups outside Tarrant County, including the Democratic field operation Battleground Texas and conservative super PACs.

For Burton, this wasn't a night to offer olive branches.

"The people sent Battleground Texas and the Democrats packing," Burton said.

Burton, a tea party organizer, said she singled out the Tarrant County tea party with thanks for the win.

Many civic groups supported her opponent Libby Willis, a neighborhood activist who held her election night party at the Mamma Mia's Italian restaurant across town. Willis was happy with the campaign she ran.

"It truly is a swing district, and I think you have to see the inroads that have been made with a Democrat and the support that we've gotten,” Willis said.

With this win, Republicans are closer to a supermajority in the Texas senate, which could keep Democrats from bringing any legislation to the floor.

The Texas Tribune reports: