Franken supporters celebrate victory at the Capitol

Hundreds of Democrats gathered on the front lawn of the Capitol today for a noon-time rally to celebrate Al Franken’s long-awaited victory in the U.S. Senate contest. The senator-elect is expected to visit the Iron Range this weekend, before heading to Washington to take his post. “It was close — but we won,” Franken told the crowd.

He was joined by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison and DFL Party chair Brian Melendez, among others.

Ellison hobnobbed with fellow Democrats after the rally.

Photographers swarmed his vehicle as Franken left the event.

Related: Franken: ‘I get to be senator’