David Jackson

USA TODAY

NEW YORK — Donald Trump defied the political odds again on Election Day, shocking the world by defeating Hillary Clinton in normally Democratic states and declaring victory in the rough-and-tumble race to become the nation's 45th president.

"Now it's time for America to bind the wounds of division," Trump said in claiming victory during a raucous victory celebration at a Manhattan hotel.

In a conciliatory speech, Trump pledged to be "president for all Americans."

The Associated Press declared trump the winner just after 2:30 Wednesday morning, and Clinton called Trump to concede the race.

Thanking his supporters for vaulting him from the business world to the presidency, the former reality television star said, "the forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer."

Trump also congratulated Clinton for a hard fought campaign, and noted her long career in government. The country, he said, owes her "a major debt of gratitude for her service."

The once unlikely president-elect noted that his victory was historic, but added, "To be really historic, we have to do a great job," Trump said.

How election night unfolded: Stunning end to a wild campaign

Trump out-performed nearly every pre-election poll, winning essential states like Florida and North Carolina. He also won Ohio — which had been expected — and Democratic-leaning states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, which were considered likely Clinton wins before voting began.

While pre-election surveys gave a clear edge to Clinton, Trump told Fox News early Tuesday "I think a lot of the polls are phony," and predicted victory.

Vice President-elect Mike Pence introduced Trump, saying, " This is a historic night. The American people have spoken. And the American people have elected their new champion."

Pence may be powerful vice president as Trump's liaison to Congress

As networks began calling states for both candidates, Trump supporters streamed into a ballroom at the New York Hilton in Midtown for what they hoped would be a victory celebration. Fans wearing red "Make America Great Again" hats milled about a cash bar, some gawking at a giant "victory cake" in the shape of Trump's head.

The crowd cheered loudly when Fox News anchor Chris Wallace said early in the evening it was possible that Trump could win and wind up president.

As Trump continued to win critical states, his fans cheered. Republican consultant Hogan Gidley, a member of the crowed, attributed the surprise results to "anger," particularly among struggling industrial workers in the Rust Belt. "Americans have been getting kicked in the gut," he said.

Gidley also said voters want change, and "Hillary Clinton was the embodiment of the establishment and the embodiment of the status quo.''

An 'Obama era' crashes as Donald Trump takes White House

Trump backers at the hotel began chanting "hey, hey, goodbye" to screen images of Clinton. Some also taunted reporters covering the event, saying things like "sorry about Hillary!" and "President Trump!"

Kellyanne Conway, Trump's campaign manager, tweeted that factors in Trump's win included the vice presidential pick of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, low enthusiasm of Clinton voters and "we expanded the map."

When Fox News reported that Clinton would likely not make a statement, Trump followers began chanting: "Lock her up! Lock her up!" The crowd booed loudly when Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta took the stage at Clinton's headquarters at about 2 a.m. and said she would not make a statement because votes were still being counted.

The New York businessman cast his vote Tuesday morning at a school in Manhattan, joking with reporters: "Tough decision." voters at Trump's polling place cheered his presence; others booed and yelled "phony" at the Republican candidate.

"I'm very excited," he told reporters. "It's a great opportunity. There's tremendous enthusiasm you see it all over the country, all over the world. It's a great feeling."

How anti-establishment outsider Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States

Not all Republcians embraced Trump.

In one radio interview, Trump told talk show host Howe Carr that it was "sad" that ex-President George W. Bush opted not to vote for him, as a spokesman confirmed Tuesday.

"I don’t think it has any impact, frankly," Trump said. "I think it has no impact.”

George W. Bush voted for neither Clinton nor Trump

Trump win will also roil Republican Party

Trump, who at one point considered more campaigning on Election Day, remained out sight most of Tuesday, making calls, conducting interviews, and using social media.

Throughout the day, Trump tweeted admonishments to voters to get to the polls, particularly in the pivotal state of Florida. Said one missive: "Don't let up, keep getting out to vote - this election is FAR FROM OVER! We are doing well but there is much time left. GO FLORIDA!"

The candidiate watched returns with family and friends at Trump Tower.

Election Day capped an insurgent Trump campaign that, in many ways, represented a near-hostile takeover of the Republican Party.

Since announcing his candidacy in June 2015, Trump made a major issue of immigration. That included his call for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border — which Mexico would supposedly pay for — and his descriptions of some migrants as "criminals" and "rapists."

Criticism of free trade also drove Trump's campaign, as he argued that bad trade agreements have sent U.S. industrial jobs overseas. Many analysts disputed Trump, attributing job losses in manufacturing to technology and automation.

During his campaign, Trump made bracing comments about Mexican migrants, Muslims, and all manner of political rivals, including Republicans. He vowed at least a partial ban on Muslims entering the United States, citing concerns about terrorism, and continuously attacked the opponent he deemed "Crooked Hillary Clinton."

Supporters called Trump a refreshing non-politician and described his language as an assault on "political correctness." Critics called it racist and sexist, and cited the number of extremists and anti-Semites who seemed attracted to the Trump campaign.

Elections 2016 | USA TODAY Network