BATON ROUGE –  John Kennedy defeated Foster Campbell in the race for Louisiana's open U.S. Senate seat Saturday.

Kennedy, a Republican, had about 63% of the vote compared to Campbell, who is a Democrat, who has about 37%.  Based on early polling, WBRZ predicted Kennedy would win the race earlier in the evening.  

President-elect Donald Trump made a stop in Baton Rouge to stump for Kennedy Friday. The rally was attended by thousands.

Kennedy's win to the Senate opens the state's Treasurer position, which is an elected position. There will need to be a special election to fill Kennedy's seat.

The U.S. Senate seat was available since David Vitter decided not to run for re-election after losing the race for governor to John Bel Edwards last year.

Kennedy's win gives the GOP 52 seats in the U.S. Senate.

"We look forward to working with Senator-elect Kennedy to drain the swamp in Washingon, D.C., to protect the lives of the unborn, and balance the federal budget," LaGOP Chairman Roger Villere said in a statement the party posted on Instagram shortly after WBRZ project Kennedy as the winner.

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