Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) won the West Virginia Senate race on Tuesday to succeed outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV), handing Republicans a major victory in their quest for control of the upper chamber. The Associated Press called the race for Justice at 7:30 PM ET,

The seat was left largely uncontested by Democrats after Sen. Joe Manchin announced last year he would not seek reelection.

Jim Justice has won the West Virginia Senate race, defeating former Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott (D) and accomplishing a long-sought GOP goal in the Appalachian state: total control of its federal offices.