RACINE, Wis. (AP) -- Racine County officials have begun certifying the results of last week's recall race between incumbent state Sen. Van Wanggaard and Democratic challenger John Lehman.

The unofficial tally shows Lehman leading the Republican Wanggaard by just under 800 votes.

The county clerk's office began certifying the results Tuesday morning. Officials expected to wrap up before noon.

The outcome is being closely watched because the Senate is split 16-16, and the winner's party will take majority control.

Lehman is a former history teacher who held the 21st Senate seat until Wanggaard defeated him in 2010. He has proclaimed himself the winner and his fellow Democrats lined up behind him.

But Wanggaard has refused to concede. The former police investigator says his supporters want him to seek a recount.