Democrat Mark Critz, a former congressional aide, has defeated Republican businessman Tim Burns in the special election for Pennsylvania's 12th district, the Associated Press reports.
The special election has been portrayed as something of a bellwether race for this year's midterm elections, giving renewed hope for Democrats. With 70 percent of precincts reporting, Critz had 53 percent of the vote compared with nearly 45 percent for Burns, the AP reports.
Pennsylvania's 12th was long occupied by the late Democratic Rep. John Murtha. Critz served as an aide for the powerful congressman, but the district has become increasingly conservative. Political prognosticators say the district represents the type of seats Republicans will have to win this November if they want to make a powerful comeback.
"This hard-fought race gave us an early preview of what Democrats will attempt to do in the fall in order to survive," Sessions said. "They will steer clear of publicly campaigning with President Obama and Speaker Pelosi, distance themselves from the Democratic agenda, and attempt to co-opt Republican positions on the issues."