(CNN) North Carolina Democratic candidate Cal Cunningham announced on Tuesday that he has conceded to GOP Sen. Thom Tillis, ensuring Republicans will keep control of the seat and dramatically shrinking Democrats' path to retaking the majority. The path to a Senate majority had already narrowed significantly for Democrats as Republicans have thwarted challengers in a number of red states where Democrats were hoping to make inroads. Tillis' win against Cunningham, an Army reservist and former state senator, deals another blow to Democrats who had set their sights on the Tar Heel State as a top pick-up opportunity. Democrats poured a significant amount of money into the race in support of Cunningham, making him one of the top fundraisers of any Senate candidate in 2020. The scandal gave Republicans a new line of attack in the closing days of the race and created a fresh opportunity for Tillis to go on the attack.

Source: CNN November 10, 2020 20:48 UTC