Susan Collins’ Maine concession could leave New England without a Republican in Congress for the first time since the 1850s

Senator Susan Collins, a 30-year veteran of the US Senate from Maine, conceded to Democrat Troy Jackson early Wednesday, marking a historic moment. Her resignation could leave the New England region without a single Republican in Congress for the first time since the party's inception. Collins expressed her honor in a statement from Bangor, saying, "It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Maine in the United States Senate." She congratulated Jackson and assured him that her staff would work towards a smooth transition.

Jackson won the race, projected by NBC News, though the Associated Press had not called it as of 1 a.m. ET. He thanked Collins for her service and wished her and her family well, becoming the first Democrat to win a Senate race in Maine since 1988. This comes as the GOP's presence in the region dwindles. Republicans held 38 of New England's 41 seats after their founding in 1854, but their dominance has waned over time, with Maine being the last stronghold for the party.

The only other Republican in Maine in either chamber is Collins herself, serving until January. If Dunlap, the Democratic candidate in the 2nd Congressional District, wins, it would break a streak dating back to the GOP's founding. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com.