Democrat Kyrsten Sinema defeated Republican Martha McSally to win a close US Senate race in Arizona following last Tuesday's congressional elections, according to multiple media outlets.

Sinema's victory means a Senate pickup for Democrats, although Republicans will keep control of the chamber. She will succeed Republican Jeff Flake, who did not seek re-election.

Sinema, a U.S. representative, thanked Arizona for electing her in a statement posted to social media and pledged to "be an independent voice for all Arizonans."

Her opponent, McSally, also a U.S. representative, congratulated Sinema for becoming Arizona's first female senator. "I wish her all success as she represents Arizona in the Senate," McSally said in a video posted to social media.

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