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Nevada’s Jacky Rosen Fends Off GOP Challenge

The win was critical for Democrats who hoped to prevent further Republican gains.

Jacky Rosen
The Senate race was one of the most closely watched in the country. John Locher/AP

Democrat Jacky Rosen has defended her Senate seat in Nevada, a win in a tight race that was considered critical for Democrats hoping to head off further Republican gains.

Rosen defeated Sam Brown, a decorated former Army captain who was initially seen as a top recruit for Republicans. Brown, who earned a Purple Heart after being injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, had major Republican endorsements, including from Donald Trump.

Rosen, a former computer programmer and House lawmaker handpicked by Nevada kingmaker Harry Reid to run for Senate in 2018, consistently polled ahead of Brown, though the race tightened significantly by Election Day. The Associated Press called the race a little after midnight on Saturday.