Eau Claire (WQOW) - History was made in the race for U.S. Senate.
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin defeated former governor Tommy Thompson for an open seat in the U.S. Senate.
"I am honored and humbled and grateful. And I am ready to get to work."
In winning Tuesday's election, Senator-elect Baldwin becomes Wisconsin's first female U.S. Senator, along with being the first openly gay U.S. Senator. However, Baldwin says that's not why she ran.
"I didn't run to make history, I ran to make a difference," says Tammy Baldwin, (D) U.S. Senator-elect.
During her speech, Baldwin thanked Thompson for his years of public service.
"Tommy and I didn't agree on much in this campaign, but there can be no doubt that he shares my love for Wisconsin," says Baldwin.
Thompson had his own message for Baldwin.
"I thank our new Senator, I called her and congratulated her," says Tommy Thompson. "It wasn't my first choice, but she is our Senator and I wish her well."
Thompson also had a message of hope for his supporters.
"Just know ladies and gentlemen that we fought the good fight, we came up short, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't keep fighting for our principles, our ideas and our beliefs."
As for Baldwin, she is looking forward to serving the whole state.
"Here's the promise I want to make to you, I will be a Senator for all of Wisconsin."
Baldwin takes over for retiring U.S. Senator Herb Kohl. The seat has been held by a Democrat since the 1950s.
