Barack Obama became the 44th President-elect, making him the first African American President in the country’s history on Nov. 4.

“This is our moment,” Obama said during his acceptance speech in his home state of Chicago, Illinois on election night. “This is our time.”

Obama’s campaign, which was based on the ideas of hope and change for the country, has been one of the longest and most expensive campaigns in history, which started 21 months ago and exceeded more than $150 million raised in the month of September alone. Obama’s campaign has also invested record-breaking amounts of money into national and targeted video advertising unseen before in a presidential contest, according to buckeyestateblog.com

With his wife and children at his side, Obama took the stage in front of thousands of invited supporters and celebrities, like Oprah Winfrey and Rev. Jesse Jackson, to accept his position as President and call on the country to unite as one.

“To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices,” Obama said. “I need your help. And I will be your president, too.”

As both campaigns came to a close on election night, Obama was able to maintain his lead in key battleground states for the majority of the night.

In places like Ohio, Iowa, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Florida, Obama was able to win the Electoral College votes that had gone to George Bush in the 2004 Presidential election. It was with those votes that projected Obama to be the newly elected President.

Obama was able to gain 338 electoral votes in total, far exceeding the required 270 he needed to become President, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Barack Obama’s win was met with crowds of supporters that gathered all over the country, with tears, hugs, and shouts of happiness. He acknowledged the challenges that his administration faces, and knows it will be difficult.

“The road ahead will be long,” Obama said. “Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

“Our stories are singular but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.”