About the race

Kerry

The current makeup of the U.S. Senate

52 Democrats 46 Republicans 2 Independents

, one of Massachusetts' two senators since 1985, resigned in February to become secretary of state. Massachusetts' governor temporarily appointed after Kerry was confirmed. Cowan will be replaced by the winner of today's election.

The winner will finish Kerry's term, which ends in 2015.

The U.S. Senate currently has , and , both of whom caucus with the Democrats.

Later this year, another special election will be held to fill the seat of Sen. (D-N.J.), who died earlier this month.