Republican Joe Lombardo defeats Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak in Nevada

Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo has defeated incumbent Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak in Nevada's 2022 gubernatorial contest, according to a race call by the Associated Press.

Sisolak issued a statement on Friday acknowledging his apparent loss.

"While votes are still coming in — and we need every ballot tallied and every voice heard — it appears we will fall a percentage point or so short of winning," Sisolak said in the statement. "Obviously that is not the outcome I want, but I believe in our election system, in democracy and honoring the will of Nevada voters. So whether you voted for me or Sheriff Lombardo, it is important that we now come together to continue moving the state forward. That is why I reached out to the Sheriff to wish him success."

Lombardo issued a statement about his election win.

"I've dedicated my life to protecting and serving our community, and now, I'm honored to have the opportunity to protect and serve our entire state as your next governor," Lombardo said in the statement. "Our victory is a victory for all Nevadans who want our state to get back on track. It's a victory for small business owners, for parents, for students, and for law enforcement."

While Election Day was on Tuesday, it still remains unclear which political party will control the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives next year.

Multiple Republican senators have called for the postponement of the Senate GOP leadership elections that are slated for next week — but Politico reported that Senate GOP Conference chair John Barrasso wrote to Republican senators and conveyed that the leadership elections will take place next week. "After presentations from candidates, and there is every opportunity to address questions from every member, we will complete leadership elections," Barasso wrote, according to Politico.