Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders arrives a rally in Warren, Michigan, on March 5. | AP Photo Sanders wins Nebraska

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has won the Democratic caucuses in Nebraska, according to three television networks, defeating Hillary Clinton.

The state's Democratic Party chairman, Vincent Powers, announced preliminary results at 9 p.m. with 75 percent of polling places reporting. At that point, Sanders led Clinton, 54.77 percent to her 45.23 percent amid what a party official said was "strong turnout."


His win follows heavy spending on Nebraska TV ads, where he invested $235,000 to Clinton’s $105,000, and a recent visit to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Clinton’s campaign had sought to downplay expectations in the Midwestern state, in the form of a memo this week by campaign manager Robby Mook.

"[A]lthough we continue to fight for every vote, Sen. Sanders has clear advantages and is investing heavily in two upcoming caucuses (Nebraska and Kansas)," Mook wrote.

Nebraska awards its 25 Democratic delegates on a proportional basis.

View live results: http://politi.co/1oGcEFv

2016 delegate tracker: http://politi.co/2176fPm