<p>&nbsp;Democratic U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland easily won a second term Tuesday over Republican Chris Chaffee.</p> <p>The Associated Press declared Van Hollen the winner shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m.</p> <p>Van Hollen was first elected in 2017, succeeding longtime Sen. Barbara Mikulski.</p> <p>"I know that we're heading into 2023 with an all-star team for the state of Maryland," Van Hollen said.</p> <p>Van Hollen released the following statement:</p> <p><em>"I am deeply thankful to the people of this great state for their vote of confidence to continue representing them in the United States Senate. I know it is an awesome responsibility, and I promise to honor their trust. I'm also honored to be elected alongside a historic ticket of Maryland state leaders including Wes Moore, Aruna Miller, Anthony Brown, and Brooke Lierman as well as federal Team Maryland. It is because of the hard work, determination, and belief of so many Marylanders that we are where we are today, and I am so grateful for their efforts.</em></p> <p><em>"I am very proud of all we have accomplished together over the last six years — and especially what we have achieved over the past two years with the Democratic majority in Congress. But much work remains.</em></p> <p><br></p>