Fox News projects Republican Sen. Cory Gardner is out in Colorado

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Democratic candidate John Hickenlooper will beat incumbent candidate Sen. Cory Gardner in Colorado’s Senate race, Fox News projected Tuesday night.

Gardner, a Republican was a first-term senator running for reelection in a state expected to be swept by a so-called blue wave. Voters in the state seemingly turned away from the Republican Party under President Trump.

Hickenlooper gave a statement Tuesday night to thank his voters and pledged to start "solving problems and helping people."

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"I want to thank Senator Gardner for his service and wish him and his family the very best," the newly elected senator told his challenger. 

"And I want to say to everyone that voted for him, I will be your Senator as well."

In his first run, Gardner beat his Democratic opponent then-Sen. Mark Udall, a Democrat, by 2.5%, and flipped the seat to Republican control in 2015. Prior to Udall’s one term as a senator, it was held by longtime Republican Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell from 1993 to 2005.

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Congressional Democrats have looked at Gardner’s race as a chance to gain a Senate seat in their attempt to win the majority.

Despite his successful run in 2015, Gardner faced a tough campaign this year, particularly after he aligned himself with President Trump and supported Amy Coney Barrett to be confirmed to the Supreme Court late last month.

Pollsters changed their analysis of his chances after he made that announcement.

In 2016, Gardner sided with the GOP-controlled Senate to block President Barack Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland during an election year. 

His decision to back Barrett just one week before the general election likely led to his struggling poll numbers and ultimately his defeat by Hickenlooper.

Gardner consistently trailed Hickenlooper by 8.5% according to the most recent polling by Real Clear Politics.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee congratulated Hickenlooper Tuesday night. 

"John Hickenlooper has shown time and time again that he has the skills and work ethic to bring people together and tackle our toughest problems," Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D- Nev., said.