TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Republican Gov. Rick Scott appears to have ended the lengthy political career of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson after final official results posted on Sunday showed Scott ahead of the three-term incumbent by more than 10,000 votes.

Florida counties had until noon to file official results with the state following a weeklong machine and hand recount that had triggered allegations of fraud and several lawsuits. State officials will certify official results on Tuesday.

Nelson, 76, had no immediate comment, but was scheduled to release a videotaped statement later Sunday.

The apparent defeat of Nelson brings an end to a now-bygone era in Florida. Nelson had been a Democratic survivor as the GOP ascended into power, hewing to a more moderate tone even as newcomers such as Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum tried to push the party in a more liberal direction.

Scott charged into the race last April at the urging of President Donald Trump and spent more than $60 million of his own money on a series of ads that hammered Nelson as out-of-touch and ineffective.

The campaign waged between the two men was more about character, competence and their loyalty to Trump even though Scott was placed on the defensive about his record on the environment and health care.

The weeks leading up to the election were bitter, and it remained that way after it became clear that the race between Nelson and Scott would head to a legally required recount.