Tudor Dixon concedes Michigan governor race

Whitmer's victory speech: Michigan is about to 'step on the accelerator'

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been declared the winner in the race for the state's top job. She said in her victory speech she plans to move the state forward over the next four years.

(FOX 2) - Tudor Dixon has conceded her race for governor after Gretchen Whitmer pulled ahead in the late hours of election day.

In a statement, the Republican challenger said she called Whitmer to wish her well.

"Michigan’s future success rests not in elected officials or government, but all of us. It is incumbent upon all of us to help our children read, support law enforcement, and grow our economy.

"Thank you to our volunteers and supporters for working so hard to forge a better Michigan. We came up short, but we will never stop fighting for our families."

Both FOX News and the Associated Press called the race for governor hours after polls closed. Whitmer's lead, with 85% of votes being counted, had ballooned to 350,000 votes and 8 points.

Whitmer spoke during a morning press conference to cheering fans.

MORE: Did Michigan Democrats just flip both chambers?

Races for secretary of state and attorney general have not been called, but both Democrats are holding leads in each race.