Democratic Rep. Sean Casten has won reelection in the 6th Congressional District, the Associated Press declared early Wednesday morning.

In the hotly contested race, with more than 99% of precincts reporting, the incumbent Casten bested Republican challenger Jeanne M. Ives with 51.5% of the vote to her 46.7%. Libertarian Bill Redpath got 1.7% of the vote.

“Tonight, the voters of the 6th District sent a resounding message," Casten said in a statement. "They voted for science and facts. They voted for decency, acceptance, and love, and rejected bigotry and racism. They said that they believe we should all have high-quality, affordable health care. They acknowledged the climate crisis and decided we must do something about it."

In results that still could change, Casten received 184,809 votes while Ives received 167,629, with Redpath capturing 6,188 votes.

Early votes and mail-in ballots are included with votes cast on Election Day.

However, tens of thousands of mail ballots requested by voters could still be returned.

“To the voters -- you have given me a tremendous amount of responsibility, and I can only hope to live up to your expectations," Casten said. "Over the next two years, you can expect more town halls and accessibility from my office. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for our District on COVID relief, health care, combating climate change and job creation.

“More than anything else, thank you to all who participated in this election.”

Ballots postmarked by Tuesday will be counted if they arrive by Nov. 17.

The often contentious race has attracted national attention and offered a clear choice between Casten, a Downers Grove resident who embraces climate change, gun control and a woman's right to abortion, against Ives, a former state representative from Wheaton, who is backed by the National Rifle Association and takes conservative positions on the environment and abortion.

The 6th District covers parts of Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane and McHenry counties.