Bennet secures third term in Colorado Senate race

Colorado voters will send Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet back to Washington for a third term after the incumbent defeated his Republican challenger in a race that conservatives had hoped would deliver an election night surprise.

Bennet had the upper hand in polls throughout the campaign, but his seat appeared more vulnerable toward the end of the race as Republicans made a final push for his opponent, Denver business executive Joe O’Dea.

The Colorado contest never garnered the same attention as tough-to-call races in swing states like Pennsylvania and Georgia, where the GOP’s battle for control of the Senate hinged on more controversial candidates whose campaigns have been beset with scandal.