By J. Noel Espinoza/RioGrandeInfo

In a stunning upset, Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election after defeating Hillary Clinton in Tuesday’s national showdown.

Trump, who will be the 45^th president, beat Clinton in the Electoral College, 279 to 228. Clinton, who could have been the first woman ever elected to lead the nation, is still leading the popular vote as of Wednesday morning.

Donald Trump gives a thumbs up after winning Tuesday’s presidential election.

Clinton conceded defeat around 2:30 a.m.

In a historical campaign marked by personal attacks and fears of dishonesty and integrity of both candidates, Trump took the lead with a strong support of white working class and rural voters.

As the first polls closed in the Midwest and south, Trump took the first electoral votes from Indiana and Kentucky, two states anticipated to go to the Republican candidate. Trump also took most of the states considered a tussle in the Midwest.

Thanks to Latinos voting in large numbers in the west, Clinton was able to win California and New Mexico. However, she lost in Florida, a key state, were Cuban-Americans favored Mr. Trump. She also lost in Arizona.

The Republican candidate was able to manage to win against all odds and predictions in the polls by winning a large majority of working-class and rural white voters disenchanted with the current political establishment.