Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has won reelection in Texas to a third term after a campaign in which he criticized his Democratic challenger as too liberal.

Ted Cruz (R-TX) won reelection to his Texas Senate seat in a closely watched race against Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), a boost for Republicans' quest for control of the upper chamber.  Multiple outlets called the race for Cruz within a couple hours of polls closing in Texas.