Despite trailing throughout most of the evening as election results rolled in, Republican incumbent governor Sam Brownback pulled out a last-minute victory over democratic challenger Paul Davis.

In a race that captured the attention of media across the country, Brownback eked out a narrow win, earning 49 percent of Kansans’ votes versus Davis’ 47 percent.

Pre-election polls and political experts alluded to almost sure win for Davis, who earned political endorsement from more than 100 GOP officials. 

In winning, Brownback overcame national backlash for a tax plan deemed regressive by critics, a rapidly growing budget deficit and an education funding plan that detractors fear could put Kansas schools in dire straits. 

Late Tuesday night, Davis conceded the race to Brownback, who will serve his second term as governor of Kansas. 

Other races saw Republican Pat Roberts win over Independent Greg Orman by a margin of eight points. Secretary of State Kris Kobach won out over democratic opponent Jean Schodorf, and republican candidates swept all four U.S. House of Representative seats.