Democrat Ron Barber defeated Republican Jesse Kelly in an emotionally charged and nationally watched special election to replace former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).
In what both candidates predicted would be an extremely close race, Barber finished 6 points ahead of Kelly, taking 52 percent of the vote to Kelly’s 46, with 100 percent of precincts reporting.
In Pima County, home to Tucson and the grocery store where Giffords nearly lost her life in the January 2011 shooting, Barber led Kelly by double digits. Even in the more conservative Cochise and Pinal counties, where Kelly got the most votes, Barber performed better against Kelly than Giffords did two years ago.
"A year ago I never dreamt that I'd be standing here, thanking you for your support," Barber said in an address to supporters, as reported by the
Arizona Daily Star. "But, as you know, life takes unexpected turns," he added, as he stood next to Giffords and her husband, retired Navy officer Mark Kelly.
Read more on The Hill's Ballot Box blog.
