The Associated Press has declared that Ohio Senator Rob Portman has held on to his Senate Seat. Portman, a Republican, was widely expected to win and his victory does nothing to change the status in the Senate where Republicans have control. Democrats are hoping to pick up enough additional seats to change that.
VOA's Katherine Gypson reports from Philadelphia:
In Holmes Circle - a northern suburb of Philadelphia - a steady stream of voters came in and out of polling places in the final hours of Election Day. Many of them expressed relief that the long campaign season and ever-present campaign ads that run on TV here in this battleground state would finally be over. Asked to list qualities they look for in a leader, a broad range of voters said they were looking for a trustworthy person, with character and an ability to engage in civil dialogue. Several voters pointed to the debates as a turning point in their understanding of both candidates. Like voters in downtown Philadelphia, many of the suburban voters declined to say who they had chosen for President - except for one voter in his 50s who said he had voted for Trump because Clinton "is a criminal who would be in jail soon."
Polls in Pennsylvania close in minutes.
Ohio Republican Rob Portman wins re-election the U.S. Senate, defeating Democrat Ted Strickland.