In what became a contentious race for the Ohio Senate seat for the 33rd District between incumbent Michael Rulli (R) against long-time Valley politician Bob Hagan (D) was decided Tuesday, November 8. 

After months of fighting, Rulli, the first-term Senator for District 33 which covers Columbiana County and half of Mahoning County was reelected to serve a second-term, defeating Hagan after he had conceded.

In Mahoning County, Hagan had 46.78% of the votes in Mahoning County to Rulli's 53.22%. However, in Columbiana County, Hagan had 22.43% compared to Rulli's 77.57%.

In a statement from Hagan said he could "neither accept nor abide the current state of Ohio's electoral process, which has been perverted and degraded by years of Republican rule and the influence of corrupt special interests who funnel millions of dollars into the pockets of GOP candidates."

Despite this however, Hagan says he will still accept the results of the election.

Hagan went on to thank his supporters and his family including his wife, State Representative, Michele Lepore-Hagan and says he's not discouraged, but "invigorated and energized."

"We have important work to do because the future of our state, our kids and grandkids and the very existence of our democracy remains in peril."

Rulli, 49, a long-time Valley businessman, in 2018 defeated incumbent John Boccieri (D) to win the seat. Prior to his election, Rulli was a board of education member for Leetonia school district.

Hagan, 73, was born in Youngstown and has been a member of the Democratic Party, first holding a seat in the 58th District of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1987 through 1997, and again from 2007 until 2014. He served in the Ohio Senate from 1997 until 2006.

In late August, a political sign for Hagan was set on fire followed by an accusation that man Rulli claimed was Hagan entered his family's grocery store in September and Rulli alleged harrassed customers.

Rulli will begin his second term and last term for the district, as under Ohio law, may only serve two terms, four years each or a total of 8 years continuously. He will be sworn in on Jan. 2.