Democrat Josh Shapiro wins PA governor's race

( Fox )

Fox News can project that Democratic Attorney General Josh Shapiro will defeat Republican challenger Doug Mastriano.

Shapiro was ahead with 56% of votes counted compared to to Mastriano's 42.3% when Fox News Decision Desk called the race.

The Pennsylvania governor's race was open since current Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf reached his term limit and was barred from seeking re-election this fall.

Shapiro is currently serving as Pennsylvania's attorney general, competing against Mastriano, a combat veteran and Trump-endorsed candidate, for the open seat.

The two candidates have made crime a centerpiece of their campaigns, vowing to crack down on the issue that is greatly impacting the state and its citizens.

"We're going to take back this state. And it's very important: It's just not another gubernatorial race — I believe the future of the nation is hinged upon the outcome in Pennsylvania at the governor level," Mastriano told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" last week.