Montana Republicans hold lead in statewide races; Gianforte declared winner

A number of races remained too close to call as midnight approached on Tuesday, including the presidential race, which remained in a near deadlock with a slight advantage held by former Vice President Joe Biden.

But Biden failed to win a number of hopeful states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. That pinned his hopes on the outcome in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, where voting was expected to continue into Wednesday.

In Montana at 11 p.m., Republicans appeared poised to make a clean sweep in major statewide races, including the governor's office, and the U.S. House and Senate.

Republican Greg Gianforte is projected to win Montana's governor's race over Democrat Mike Cooney, according to The Associated Press. Gianforte was leading by about 15,000 votes as of 10:45 p.m.

Incumbent Sen. Steve Daines held a narrow 51% to 49% lead over Gov. Steve Bullock, or 167,796 votes to 162,033 votes.

Republican Matt Rosendale also held a 52% to 48% lead over Democrat Kathleen Williams in the U.S. House Race.

The only statewide Democrat within striking distance late Tuesday night was Melissa Romano, who was tied with incumbent Republican Elsie Arntzen in the race for Superintendent of Public Instruction.