Democrat Angela Alsobrooks emerged the victor Tuesday night in Maryland’s closely watched Senate race, defeating former two-term Republican Gov. Larry Hogan.

Alsobrooks led Hogan 54.6%-43.3% when the Associated Press called the contest at 9:32 p.m. ET, with about 52% of the ballots counted.

2024 ELECTIONS LIVE UPDATES: LATEST NEWS ON THE TRUMP-HARRIS PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Alsobrooks, the top elected official in Prince George’s County as county executive, will become Maryland’s first black U.S. senator.

Hogan’s surprise last-minute entry into the race earlier this year turned what would have otherwise been a shoo-in for Democrats into a competitive matchup against a popular centrist ex-governor.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Still, Hogan’s independent streak proved unable to win over enough split-ticket voters to fill the seat of retiring longtime Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD).

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.