Democrat Beau Bayh has defeated Republican Max Engling in Indiana’s race for secretary of state, delivering a major victory for Democrats and ending more than three decades of Republican control of the office.

Bayh, a 30-year-old attorney and Marine Corps veteran, secured the victory in Tuesday’s (Nov. 3) midterm election. With approximately 90 percent of votes counted late Tuesday, Bayh had received about 51 percent of the vote compared to Engling’s 43 percent.

The victory marks the first time a Democrat has won a statewide election in Indiana since 2012.

Bayh comes from one of Indiana’s best-known political families. He is the son of former Governor and U.S. Senator Evan Bayh and the grandson of the late U.S. Senator Birch Bayh.

During his campaign, Bayh emphasized government accountability, transparency and restoring public confidence in the Secretary of State’s Office.

He pledged to conduct an independent audit of the office and release the findings to the public after taking office.

Engling, a former congressional staffer who worked for U.S. Senator Jim Banks, conceded the race Tuesday night, saying he respected the voters’ decision and would wish Bayh success.

The contest also featured former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, representing the newly formed Lincoln Party, and Libertarian Lauri Shillings. Both finished well behind the two major-party candidates.

Engling had secured the Republican nomination earlier this year by defeating incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales at the party’s state convention.

Bayh will replace Morales, whose tenure was marked by controversy and criticism over spending and management decisions.

The secretary of state serves as Indiana’s chief election officer and oversees business services, securities regulation and other administrative responsibilities.

Bayh’s victory represents a significant political shift in a state where Republicans have dominated statewide elections for years.