PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has won the hardest-fought race of her career, turning back a challenge by Democrat Sara Gideon.

Collins survived to serve a fifth term following the costliest race in Maine history, one that was pivotal to control of the Senate.

Collins won a majority of first-place votes. That meant no additional tabulation rounds were necessary under Maine’s ranked choice voting system.