Raphael Warnock defeats Herschel Walker, increasing Democratic control of the Senate

Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) is projected to defeat Republican U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker in the runoff election that will swing control of the U.S. Senate to Democratic control.

Walker, the University of Georgia Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL running back, throughout the race was beset by revelations about his personal life, involving accusations that he paid for abortions for various mistresses. He has denied the claims.

Republicans assailed Warnock as an extremist over comments he's made in support of abortion and a bizarre interpretation of the meaning of Christianity.

Democrats lost control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the midterm elections, but they will increase their count in the Senate, which was deadlocked during the first half of President Joe Biden's term.

Walker was enthusiastically supported by former President Donald Trump while many of his critics warned that nominating a celebrity instead of a "serious" candidate might cost the election. Trump said Walker would be "unstoppable" as a candidate.

The Republican candidate ran a campaign attacking Democrats for trying to divide Americans among racial lines. In one political ad from September, Walker described Warnock as believing "America is a bad country, full of racist people." By contrast, he added: "I believe we're a great country, full of generous people."

Warnock on the other hand, tied Walker as much as possible to Trump. In their debate, Walker said he would support Trump if he ran for president in 2024.

"President Trump is my friend," Walker said at the debate. "I won't leave my allies, which is what Senator Warnock and Joe Biden did in Afghanistan. They left their allies."

CNN's Manu Raju reported that Walker was planning on conceding the election to Warnock and not contest the results.

Here's more about the pivotal Georgia election:

Herschel Walker: Sen. Warnock feels he can 'buy this seat'www.youtube.com

[Ed. Note: This story has been updated with additional information.]