U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz defeated Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred Tuesday night in what was one of the nation's most closely watched and expensive senate races. Cruz, who will now serve his third term in the U.

Ted Cruz (R-TX) won reelection to his Texas Senate seat in a closely watched race against Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), a boost for Republicans' quest for control of the upper chamber.  Multiple outlets called the race for Cruz within a couple hours of polls closing in Texas.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz prevailed in a tough reelection campaign, defeating Democratic Rep. Colin Allred in Texas' unexpectedly competitive Senate race. Cruz's win is a key hold for Republicans in a seat that Democrats saw as one of their best opportunities for a flip.