Election Results: Todd Akin Concedes to Claire McCaskill in Missouri Senate Race

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) has defeated Republican challenger Todd Akin in the U.S. Senate race in Missouri. 

With 55 percent of the precincts counted on the Missouri Secretary of State's website, unofficial results show McCaskill currently winning by more than 138,000 votes as of 10:10 p.m. Ballots are still being counted in Missouri.

McCaskill delivered her victory speech to a cheering crowd of supporters at the Chase Park Plaza at 10 p.m.

"With a stubborn determination, tenacity and refusal to give up, we showed the country what Missouri is made of," McCaskill said.

McCaskill thanked her supporters during her speech, and went on to mention her mother, Betty Anne McCaskill, who died in the final days of the campaign on Oct. 29. 

"There is one person missing on this stage tonight. And I just gotta tell you, 'Mom, this one's for you,'" McCaskill said.  

Akin conceded to McCaskill just after 9:40 p.m. 

"The way the numbers are looking, we have lost this race," Akin said. "I also think, that in the circumstances that we have all been through, to thank God. To God alone, be the honor and the glory, regardless of how he tries to organize history."

Election analysts expected the race to remain close. As recently as Oct. 31, statewide polls showed a narrow 2-point McCaskill lead over Akin, which was within the poll's margin of error. 

The U.S. Senate race in Missouri has been watched closely across the country because of its importance to both parties. The Democrats hold the majority of the chamber, but Republicans have aimed to seize control following the Nov. 6 election.

Akin had been considered an early favorite until his controversial remarks on FOX-2's Jaco Report in August, when Akin questioned whether a woman could become pregnant from "legitimate rape." 

Akin released an apology only days later, but his campaign still lost support among Republican politicians locally and across the country, including GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney. 

In early October, the McCaskill campaign responded to Akin's statements by releasing a series of ads that featured victims of rape. 

McCaskill also faced criticism across Missouri—which has grown increasingly conservative over the past two election cycles—for her endorsement of President Barack Obama in 2008 and her support of the Affordable Care Act. 

Akin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000. Prior to that, Akin served in the state legislature for 12 years. 

McCaskill was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, when she became the first woman senator elected to represent Missouri. McCaskill has also served as state auditor and in the state legislature. 

For more coverage of the Missouri Senate race, please view our related stories:

• Todd Akin Campaign Rallies a Final Time in St. Louis Ahead of Tuesday's Election
• More Ads and Accusations as McCaskill and Akin Battle For The Senate
• No Surprises in Final Missouri Senate Debate