(Photo courtesy of the Office of Sen. John McCain)

Sen. John McCain

Lauren Loftus/KJZZ

Kelli Ward

Republican Senator John McCain will be on the November ballot for a shot at a sixth term representing Arizona. The incumbent had nearly 52 percent of the vote compared to challenger Kelli Ward's 39 percent as of Wednesday morning in the GOP Primary.

Former state senator and physician Kelli Ward ran her campaign on securing the Mexico border and national security, with an emphasis on changing the status quo in Washington. Ward attacked McCain for his age (80) and time in office, calling for his retirement.

Tuesday night, McCain thanked his supporters after the primary race was called in his favor, but acknowledged the difficulties he’ll face in the coming months.

“Republicans must be willing to put forward smart, common sense, effective policies," he said. "And we must be able to resist from a position of strength [the] ideas coming from the next White House, whoever occupies it, that would take the country in the wrong track.”

McCain will face Democratic opponent Ann Kirkpatrick in November