Nov. 4 (Bloomberg) -- North Carolina Democrat Kay Hagan beat incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole in a U.S. Senate race that boosts Democrats' hopes for a filibuster-proof majority in the chamber, Fox News and CBS News reported.

Hagan, who has served as a state senator for a decade, accused Dole, 72, of being out of touch with a state where the jobless rate has climbed to 7 percent, the 10th-highest in the country. Republicans have held the Senate seat for 35 years.

Dole is a former secretary of transportation and is married to former Senator Bob Dole of Kansas, the Republican presidential nominee in 1996.

Democrats began the day with a 51-49 Senate majority, including two independents who support the caucus. Democrats are seeking to gain enough seats for a 60-vote majority, which is the number needed under Senate rules to overcome attempts to block legislation.

Twelve seats held by Democrats and 23 Republican-held seats are up for election this year.

To contact the reporter on this story: Nicholas Johnston in Washington at njohnston3@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: November 4, 2008 20:24 EST