Ron Barber, who almost lost his life in the Arizona shooting rampage that wounded former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, won a special election to succeed her, giving Democrats a psychological boost after last week's failed effort to recall Wisconsin's Republican governor.

Appearing with Giffords at a Tucson hotel after his victory Tuesday night, Barber told supporters, "Life takes unexpected turns and here we are, thanks to you." Giffords hugged him and kissed his forehead.

Barber defeated Republican Jesse Kelly, who narrowly lost to Giffords in 2010 in a competitive district that Republicans have won in the last two presidential elections. Giffords has made few public appearances since resigning in January to focus on her recovery, but she dashed back to Tucson during the campaign's final days to help her former district director.