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John Fetterman, the Democratic lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania and former mayor of Braddock, a river town outside of Pittsburgh, will be Pennsylvania's next U.S. senator after flipping the state's Republican-controlled Senate seat.Fetterman bested Republican opponent Mehmet Oz in a race that polls originally signaled would be an easy grab for Democrats but tightened as Election Day neared. Fetterman held 50.4% of the vote compared to 47.1% for Oz, with 93% of precincts reporting as of Wednesday morning. The Democrat-led in his home base of Pittsburgh, as well as Philadelphia and many of its suburban counties."I never expected that we were going to turn these red counties blue, but we did what we needed to do and we had that conversation across every one of those counties. And tonight, that's why I'll be the next U.S. senator for Pennsylvania," Fetterman said at his election night party at Stage AE on Pittsburgh's North Side.Fetterman is a star in progressive politics nationwide, having developed a loyal following thanks in part to his blunt working-class appeal, height, tattoos and unapologetic progressive policies.But Fetterman's health emerged as a central issue over the election's final weeks. He suffered a stroke in May, just days before the primary.Pittsburgh sister station WTAE visited Braddock on Wednesday morning to see what people were saying about Fetterman's election win."I'm so excited. I'm so happy," said Jasmine Williams, who was dropping her child off at daycare."It means we have a chance, and he's going to represent us," he said."He's a person's candidate. He's a human being," said Jeff Pearson, as he waited for a bus along Braddock Avenue.What is Pearson hoping to see from Fetterman in the Senate?"That he's going to do something about crime. He's going to do something about bringing money to Pennsylvania that needs it," Pearson said. "I think he's going to make sure that we get some of that to help build Braddock and the surrounding areas."Fetterman will be sworn in on Jan. 3, 2023."This race is for the future of every community all across Pennsylvania, for every small town or a person that ever felt left behind," the senator-elect said.Video above: Mehmet Oz concedes to John Fetterman in US Senate raceIn a statement Wednesday, Oz said: "This morning I called John Fetterman and congratulated him. I wish him and his family all the best, both personally and as our next United States senator. Campaigning throughout our great commonwealth was the honor of a lifetime, and I will cherish the memories and the people I met. Pennsylvanians showed up with passion and a vision for a bright future that I found inspiring every day. I want to thank my supporters, so many of whom worked tirelessly to spread our message and support me and my family."We are facing big problems as a country and we need everyone to put down their partisan swords and focus on getting the job done. With bold leadership that brings people together, we can create real change. As a doctor, I always do my best to help others heal. That's why I ran for Senate. I hope we begin the healing process as a nation soon."