Lisa Murkowski wins reelection in Alaska Senate race

Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski has won reelection to the U.S. Senate, more than two weeks after the Nov. 8 contest.

Murkowski was one of seven Republican senators who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial, which prompted the 45th commander-in-chief to back Republican challenger Kelly Tshibaka.

Tshibaka emerged ahead of Murkowski on election night, but failed to clear the 50% threshold necessary to avoid triggering the state's ranked choice voting provisions by which the state considers voter preferences for other candidates when determining the final winner.

The Associated Press called the race for Murkowski on Wednesday after the ranked choice tabulation resulted in her clearing the 50% threshold of victory.

Murkowski has long been a thorn in the side of the GOP's conservative wing as a pro-abortion advocate and a moderate on a host of issues. In 2010, she lost her party primary but retained the seat through a write-in campaign for the general election.

Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola also won her contest the same day. Republican Sarah Palin finished second after the votes of third-place candidate Nick Begich were reallocated. Peltola expanded on her victory margin from the special election in which she first claimed the post.