Emotions surged Tuesday at the Democratic watch party in Columbus, as Sherrod Brown was re-elected Ohio’s United States senator. People in the crowded Hilton Hotel cheered and exchanged high-fives at the news, and continued as President Barack Obama began to pull ahead.

As Democratic gatherers became more confident that they were going to win the senator and presidential races, the atmosphere changed from tense to carefree.

“Sherrod is so hot!” said Brittany, who said she couldn’t give her last name because she volunteered for Brown’s campaign. “I’m so pumped! I came all the way from Boston to see him!”

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a former U.S. senator, was among the big names at the party. Supporters, fellow Democrats and members of the media swarmed around Jackson.

“I just wanted to thank you for everything that you have done,” one woman said to Jackson, reaching to shake his hand.

Many people in the crowd were Brown and Obama campaign volunteers.

“I’m just so excited to be here,” said a Brown volunteer and Harvard Law School student. “A democratic Senate means a democratic president!”

Two others said they attended because they were gay voters supporting the Democratic agenda.

“Equal rights for all,” Zach Whittle said. “That’s why I’m here.”

Whittle and his partner hugged and kissed as confetti fell upon them, celebrating Brown’s re-election.

“Thank God!” Whittle said. “I’m not sure where we would be if the Republicans [had] won.”

Contact Erika Kerr at [email protected].