The Associated Press has declared a winner in Colorado's 8th Congressional District which has been one of the most closely watched races in the country.

Republican Gabe Evans has defeated Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo in one of the nation’s most-watched races.

The victory by Evans, an Army veteran and former police officer, improves Republicans’ chances of keeping control of the U.S. House and securing unified control over the federal government