Debbie Stabenow reelected to a fourth Senate term in Michigan

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)  was reelected to a fourth term on Tuesday, defeating Detroit businessman and Army veteran John James (R).

Stabenow had seen her lead over James narrow to single digits in the days leading up to the race in a state that President Trump narrowly won in 2016.

A Michigan native, Stabenow was first elected to the Senate in 2001, becoming the state’s first female senator. 

She faced a strong competitor in James, who would have become the second African American Republican in the current Senate along with Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and was endorsed warmly by President Trump.

Former President Obama stumped for Stabenow and other Democratic candidates in the final stretch of the race in a reflection of the high stakes for the Democratic Party.