Miami-Dade's special election is over.
Democrat Annette Taddeo defeated Republican Jose Felix Diaz in Tuesday's election for the state senator seat in district 40.
The close race came to a close with just over 1,000 votes separating the two candidates.
The senate seat opened when former Sen. Frank Artiles was forced to resign in the spring following a tumultuous week in the state Capitol that began with his racist comments to two black lawmakers.
The victory gives Democrats 16 seats in the chamber and hands Taddeo her first campaign win in a political career filled with second-place finishes.
Additionally, Republican Daniel Anthony Perez has defeated Democrat Gabriela Mayaudon for the State's 116th district's seat that was vacated by Jose Felix Diaz.
Just over 50,000 people casted their votes for the special election.