Minnesota Democrats will maintain their narrow majority in the state Senate next year.
Why it matters: The outcome dashes Republicans' hopes of winning back control in both chambers this year.
State of play: Preliminary results from Tuesday's election show Democrat Ann Johnson Stewart leading Republican Kathleen Fowke.
Context: State senators weren't up for reelection this year, but the special election in the Twin Cities' west metro put Democrats' one-vote majority in that chamber in play.
Catch up fast: The rivals were vying for the Senate District 45 seat that opened up when former DFL state Sen. Kelly Morrison decided to resign to focus on her run for Congress.
Because of the stakes, the race was one of the most expensive legislative contests this year.
What they're saying: Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams hailed the "crucial majority-making victory."
Senate Republicans conceded in a statement issued late Tuesday, but said the close nature of the results "clearly show there is still a growing concern among Minnesotans about single-party Democrat control and their extreme agenda."
Zoom out: Control of the state House is also on the ballot Tuesday, with all 134 districts up for election.