Lee projected to win reelection to US Senate, McMullin concedes

SALT LAKE CITY — Independent candidate, Evan McMullin announced he has conceded to Republican Sen. Mike Lee in Utah’s Senate race and the Associated Press called Lee the projected winner.

Utah, I just got off the phone with Senator Lee.

In our call, I acknowledged that he has won reelection, and I told him that I truly hope that he upholds his oath to the Constitution during his upcoming term. 1/8

— Evan McMullin 🇺🇸 (@EvanMcMullin) November 9, 2022

Shortly after McMullin’s announcement, NBC projected Lee the winner of the Senate race.

As polls closed and the numbers began to come in, Lee took an early lead. As of publication, Lee was totaled at 55% while McMullin totaled 41%.

Find current updates on voting numbers and results here. 

Evan McMullin just took the stage. Said he called Mike Lee to concede. pic.twitter.com/bICM6DpVpr

— Matt Rascon (@MattRasconNews) November 9, 2022

The race between McMullin and Lee was considered one of the most competitive in Utah and the most expensive in state history according to some sources.

Lee’s win was part of a strong showing in national races that included a sweep of Utah’s four Congressional Districts.

In a speech, Lee called the win a rebuke of Democrats in Washington D.C. and looked forward to the next presidential election.

“I look forward to 2024 when even the blue states are going to be saying ‘Heck no!’ And that’s strong language in Utah,” Lee said on a stage.

Lee also complimented McMullin’s campagin.

McMullin campaigned against Lee by using his Tweets to then President Donald Trump on Jan. 6 when Trump supporters overwhelmed police and stormed the U.S. Capitol. Lee opposed Trump as a presidential candidate but spoke in the Utah State Capitol at Trump’s request on a visit early in his presidency.

National political action committees supported Lee with millions in attack adds claiming McMullin wasn’t independent and was a supporter of President Joe Biden.