Edward Markey to replace John Kerry in US Senate

John Kerry's US Senate seat is staying in Democratic hands following a victory by longtime Massachusetts Rep. Edward Markey in Tuesday's special election.

The lackluster race, which failed to garner the same attention as the 2010 special election to replace the late Ted Kennedy, pitted Markey against Republican newcomer Gabriel Gomez.

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He had an advantage of about 8 percentage points with most precincts closing, according to The Associated Press.

Kerry vacated the seat earlier this year after being confirmed as secretary of state.

Markey, 66, took to Twitter to thank his supporters Tuesday night, telling them "Thanks to the opportunities this country gave me, this son of a milk man is going to serve in the United States Senate!"

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He will serve the year and a half remaining in Kerry's term, and can seek re-election for a full six-year term in 2014.

Bigger name Republicans like former Sen. Scott Brown haven't ruled out running against him next year, according to the Boston Herald.

Despite calling Markey "pond scum" for airing a campaign ad that pictured him alongside Osama bin Laden, Gomez told the AP he called Markey to congratulate him and wished him "nothing but the best."