TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 02: Democratic candidate for Florida Governor Alex Sink (L) talks to the media before the beginning of her election night party during midterm elections on November 2, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. Sink is up against Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott to fill the slot currently held by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist who is running for U.S. Senate. (Photo by Tim Boyles/Getty Images)

Alex Sink, the Democrat vying to represent Florida's 13th congressional district, lost Tuesday's special election to Republican David Jolly.

The extremely close race captured national attention with high levels of outside funding and big-name surrogates stepping in to campaign on both sides. Jolly ultimately bested Sink with 49 percent of the vote, compared to Sink's 47 percent.

Sink, formerly the state's Chief Financial Officer, was the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in 2010, losing to now-Gov. Rick Scott (R).

Below, more from the Associated Press:

Republican David Jolly is the winner of a hard-fought congressional election in Florida to replace the late Rep. Bill Young.

With nearly 100 percent of the vote counted, The Associated Press says Jolly bested Democrat Alex Sink in a contest that attracted national attention and millions of dollars.

The special election served as the first test of President Barack Obama's health care overhaul ahead of November's midterm elections. Local issues took a backseat to the health care law as both national parties and outside groups flooded the swing-voting district with ads, phone calls and mailings about "Obamacare." Democrats and Republicans used the race to audition national strategies.