Ralph Hise has won his ninth term in the Senate, making him the longest-serving member of that body.

On Nov. 3, Hise, a Republican from Mitchell County, bested his Democratic opponent, Frank Hughes III, with 55.66% of the vote. Hise, who represents a large district covering much of northwestern North Carolina, including part of Haywood County, will go on to serve his ninth term as a state senator.

After outgoing Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger lost his primary earlier this year, there has been much talk about who will take his place. Hise told SMN in September that he will seek that position.