Medford, Ore., — One of the local, statewide races everyone was watching – the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Alan Bates.
Dr. Bates served in office for 16 years.
The last 11 of those as a senator.
That race between Alan Deboer and Tonia Moro is still close tonight.
They’re separated by just over 500 votes.
But Moro has already called to congratulate Deboer on his win.
Alan Deboer’s win has statewide implications.
The Ashland Republican is taking over what was for some time, a Democrat’s seat, ending their super majority in the senate.
Deboer says he plans to keep Bates’ legacy alive, he also says he plans to look at some of Tonia Moro’s ideas and work with her moving forward.
“It’s going to be a challenge going up there, we’ll be in the minority and the Democrats will still have control, but I’m used to that, working across party lines, and I think we can accomplish some things.”
Deboer will officially take the seat in January.
He will fill the rest of the two years left in Bates’ term.
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