Democrat John Fetterman won by a needle-thin amount of 233,755 votes against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz in a nerve-wracking race that was too close to call for almost 2 days, claiming the Pennsylvania senate seat for the next six years. This win gives the Democrats one extra seat ahead of Senate Republicans.

Fetterman on the other hand, delivered a speech that almost left him in tears, stunned in front of multiple people and cameras.

“I am so humbled, thank you so much. It’s like 1:30 in the morning and you’re still here hanging in.” He continued: “We jammed them up. We held the line I never expected that we were going to turn these red counties blue, but we did what we needed to do.”

The father of three later celebrated with his family and close friends as they watched the votes slowly pile in as time went by.

Fetterman, 53, suffered a stroke in May and returned to campaigning months later struggling to speak fluidly ⁠— a common effect called auditory processing disorder. His health became a central focal point during the race and many GOP figures, including Donald trump Jr. and Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, mocked him for it.

He also spent much of the campaign fending off attacks from Dr. Oz. a celebrity doctor, who questioned whether he was fit to serve. But Fetterman’s physician released a note which said he was recovering well and could carry out public office. 

Fetterman, who has served as Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor since 2018, heavily advocated for women’s abortion rights into federal law after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

He also supports passing foundational legislation to protect health care, same-sex marriage, and raising the minimum wage.

“I think Fetterman seems to care about his and other constituents more than other politicians,” said English teacher Mr. Fleissner.