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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Sen. Katrina Shealy conceded on Tuesday evening at Bubbas Pub N’ Grub after a contentious battle to keep her seat for S.C. Senate District 23. Now, Lexington County residents will have a freshman Senator representing them in the Senate.

Shealy, who was endorsed by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, was challenged by criminal prosecutor Carlisle Kennedy.

“Lexington County loses all of their seniority in the Senate, you know, that makes a big difference,” Shealy said in an interview with WIS TV after she conceded. “I know people think we need new blood, but that’s not how it works in the Senate. Senate, you need to build yourself up. It takes 10 to 12 years to make it on finance in the Senate. So, you really need to work to get there, and Lexington County won’t have anyone on finance, it would be at least another 10 years before anybody, so the money is going to dry up for Lexington County.”

Much of the back-and-forth between the two candidates came down to their views on abortion.

Shealy voted against a bill that would put a near total ban on abortion.

Shealy said that she is pro-life, but there were elements to the bill that she disagrees with. Specifically, she did not agree with an abortion ban in reference to children and teens who become pregnant due to incest or rape.

Read more: A boxing match begins in Senate District 23 runoff: ‘We’ve got 2 weeks ... the gloves are off now’

“I don’t believe that, and I can’t vote for something ... I believe there has to be exceptions, there are exceptions for everything,” Shealy said.

Under 10,000 people voted in Lexington County during the runoff elections, which translates to about a 5% voter turnout.

All three Republican women senators in South Carolina lost the primaries this election cycle.

Kennedy posted a victory message on his Facebook page:

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust you have placed in me by electing me as your next State Senator. This victory would not have been possible without the unwavering support of each and every one of you. I would also like to thank Senator Shealy for her years of service to our community. My goal is to make sure our community and our state are a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I will uphold our conservative principles and make sure your voices are heard. I am excited about the journey ahead and eager to get to work on behalf of all of you.”

He was officially declared the winner around 10 p.m. on Tuesday night after receiving more than 60% of the vote.

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