Raphael Warnock wins crucial Georgia runoff election – as it happened

Supporters cheer as the election is called for Raphael Warnock, at his election night party in Atlanta. Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty Images

4.55am GMT

That’s all from me tonight. Incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock secured victory, and bolstered his party’s lead in the chamber after a hard-fought, expensive, and drawn out race. Trump-endorsed Republican Herschel Walker accepted defeat in a brief, subdued speech.

Warnock, who became the first Black senator to represent Georgia two years ago, secured his his first full, six-year term tonight. In a victory speech, he noted thee significance of the moment. “I am Georgia,” he said. “I am an example and iteration of its history, of its pain and its promise

For more news and analysis on the race, read on:

Updated at 5.07am GMT

4.46am GMT

Joe Biden said he called Raphael Warnock to congratulate him.

‘Tonight Georgia voters stood up for our democracy, rejected Ultra MAGAism, and most importantly: sent a good man back to the Senate,” the president said.

Just called @SenatorWarnock to congratulate him on his win.

Tonight Georgia voters stood up for our democracy, rejected Ultra MAGAism, and most importantly: sent a good man back to the Senate. Here’s to six more years. pic.twitter.com/ibx5aprVs3

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 7, 2022