GOP former state Sen. Tom Barrett was ahead of former Democratic state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. in a race that could determine control of the U.S. House

The winner will take over the seat being vacated by Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is running against former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in the open U.S. Senate race to replace longtime Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow.

Former state Sen. Tom Barrett (R-Charlotte) appears to have prevailed over former state Sen. Curtis Hertel (D-East Lansing) in the early hours of Wednesday, as Hertel has conceded the 7th Congressional District race.

Tom Barrett flipped Michigan's competitive 7th Congressional District from blue to red, besting Democrat Curtis Hertel in Tuesday's election. With an estimated 99% of the vote in, Barret had received 50% of the vote while Hertel trailed with 47%.

Republicans picked up a U.S. House seat after Michigan’s 7th congressional district flipped red early Wednesday morning. The Associated Press called the race at 4:05 a.m. on Wednesday for Republican Tom Barrett,

Rep. Tom Barrett flipped a Democratic-held district just two years after losing to Democratic Rep. and now U.S Senate nominee Ellissa Slotkin in a high-profile race just two years ago.

Two former state lawmakers, Democrat Curtis Hertel and Republican Tom Barrett, both ran unopposed in the primary, setting up Tuesday’s general election showdown. Hertel served in the Michigan Senate and most recently worked as Michigan Gov.

Michigan’s 7th and 8th congressional district races remained too close to call Tuesday night. Republican Tom Barrett led Democrat Curtis Hertel 55.8% to 41% around 11:30 p.m. Eastern with 48% of votes counted.