District 18: King defeats Hopper

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Democrat Jessica King has defeated Republican Sen. Randy Hopper in one of six recall elections targeting GOP incumbents.

She was the second Democrat to win Tuesday.

"Of course it's exciting and a lot of adrenaline," the Oshkosh City Council member said with a broad smile.  "It's great to be here among all the supporters and volunteers and feel their positive energy and finally people have a result.  They've been waiting months and months to have this election."

King says her supporters have weathered delays, protest candidates and an unusual election cycle, but are now bringing change to Wisconsin. 

"I think we have to hit the ground running," she said.  "I mean the session will likely begin again in early September and it's going to be about returning civility to government."

King will be in the minority party, with unofficial results showing Sen. Alberta Darling of River Hills maintaining her seat.  But the attorney and small business owner is confident she is ready for Madison.

"Jess is great," supporter Gerry Zastrow said.  " She should have won the first time around and been representing us."

"We want Jess in, it's her time, she cares about us, we care about her, it's time to get someone in there who cares about the people, the middle class, the everyday," supporter Wendy Fabisiak said.

King lost narrowly to Hopper in the 2008 18th State Senate district race.

Two Democratic incumbents face recall next week.