Independent Sen. Angus King was ahead in his bid for a third term in Maine early Wednesday, but with much of the vote yet to be counted, it was unclear whether ranked voting would be needed to decide the four-way race.

Independent U.S. Sen. Angus King declared victory in a crowded race Wednesday, delivering a third term for the former Maine governor. Speaking at Flight Deck Brewing in his hometown of Brunswick, King declared,

Sen. Angus King faces three challengers in his quest for a third six-year term representing Maine in the U.S. Senate. Here's to know about them.

The race for Maine’s senate seat continues. Incumbent independent Senator Angus King is leading with over 52 percent of the vote. Senator King says he’s ready for a third term. However, he held off declaring victory. As the votes have come in, he remains in the lead.

"My understanding is that the mathematical analysis is this election is over," the independent senator said.

Independent Sen. Angus King was well ahead in his bid for a third term in Maine on Wednesday, but with much of the vote yet to be counted, it was unclear whether ranked voting would be needed to decide the four-way race.