Republicans won the U.S. Senate contest in Florida, in one of the most watched races for conservatives in the midterm election.

Tea Party icon Marco Rubio will be the next senator from Florida. Rubio's win is a hold for Republicans since that seat was held by retiring Sen. Mel Martinez.

Rubio, 39, won a commanding victory over former independent Gov. Charlie Crist, and Democrat Rep. Kendrick Meek.

"In a few short days, I will have the extraordinary privilege and honor of joining the U.S. Senate. But I do so with my eyes wide opened, Rubio, the former Fla. House Speaker told a crowd of well-wishers Tuesday night.

"I understand that Washington is a place where we've sent people before, and they don't come back the same way as we sent them," he added. "It is a place that literally changes people and with a short period of time they forgot why they even ran. So tonight, I ask for your prayers."

Click play to watch part of Rubio's acceptance speech in Florida.