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Democrat Elizabeth Warren defeated GOP Sen. Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race, after an expensive and close battle. NBC and CBS called the race, among the most closely-watched in the nation, shortly before 9:45 p.m.

Brown gained high marks for likeability and framed himself as a bipartisan, independent candidate. But in a presidential year in the Democratic state -- where President Obama beat Mitt Romney easily -- Brown ultimately fell short.

The race has long been a close one, and both candidates raised huge amounts of money, particularly Warren. The former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau adviser, a national liberal superstar, proved by far to be the best fundraiser of any candidate this cycle. The race was also largely devoid of outside money, as Brown and Warren signed a ban on ads funded by outside groups.

(PROFILE: Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts' New Senator)

Brown won the Senate seat, previously held by the late Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy, when he defeated Democratic Attorney General Martha Coakley in a special election in early 2010. He was the first major victory of the tea party wave.

Check out our analysis of the Massachusetts Senate race here.