Sen. Sherrod Brown won his third term in the U.S. Senate, defeating Republican Jim Renacci. Brown will hold the seat for another six years.

The race was the first in Ohio to be called on-air, eliciting a round of cheers and applause from the Democratic watch party in Columbus. 

Brown took to the stage about an hour after the call and praised his win in a state that “pundits say is just too hard for a progressive Democrat.”

“We celebrate the worker,” Brown said. “And that is the blueprint for America in 2020.”

Brown’s win in Ohio could prove be a turning point for Democrats, as it was a state Donald Trump carried by eight points in the 2016 presidential election. 

“When you love this country, you fight for the people who make it work,” Brown said. “And today, the hardworking women and men of Ohio voted to continue our fight together.”

Brown won his first election to the state’s House in 1974 and unseated Republican Sen. Mike DeWine in 2006 to win his first term as Senator.

“When we fight for workers, we fight for all people, whether they punch a clock or swipe a badge, earn a salary or make tips,” Brown said, “whether they are raising children or caring for an aging parent.”

Henry Palattella is the editor. Contact him at [email protected]. Laina Yost is the enterprise editor. Contact her at [email protected].