State Rep. Michelle Caldier had hoped to ascend to the Senate in the Nov. 4 general election. On Thursday, after a tight race, the Republican conceded the election — and her opponent is celebrating victory.

Caldier attempted to topple Democratic state Sen. Deb Krishnadasan, who was appointed last December to represent the 26th Legislative District, which covers parts of Pierce and Kitsap counties.

Early returns showed Krishnadasan in the lead by more than 1,800 votes. As of Thursday evening, she counted 52.05% of the vote to Caldier’s 47.84% — or 24,383 votes to Caldier’s 22,413.

Caldier posted Nov. 6 on Facebook that while she was disappointed, the voters had spoken.

“I feel very sad for our state,” she told McClatchy in a call. “You have to accept that if the public wants to go a dif

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