The results for a razor close central Ohio Senate seat have flipped after officials counted the remaining provisional and absentee ballots. The race is just the latest seat to flip from Republican to Democratic in Ohio's 3rd Senate District.
First-time candidate Tina Maharath, who wasn't endorsed by the Democratic Party and barely campaigned, was declared the winner over state Rep. Anne Gonzalez of Westerville after the Franklin County Board of Elections finished its official tally.
Maharath, of Canal Winchester, had been trailing by around 300 votes, but received a majority of provisional ballots.
The 3rd Senate District, includes Canal Winchester, Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg and Groveport and parts of western Columbus.
Democrats lost one Senate seat around Youngstown on Election Day, so they keep nine seats to the Republicans’ 24.
The House also stays in Republican control, though Democrats made a net gain of five seats. Four close races have now been decided: Two went Republican and two Democratic, though one of each will go to automatic recount.
