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Harley Rouda Wins Dana Rohrabacher's Seat In Congress
File: Harley Rouda speaks to supporters with his family during their election day party at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa on Nov. 6, 2018 in Newport Beach. (Barbara Davidson/Getty Images)
Harley Rouda has defeated Orange County Rep. Dana Rohrabacher for his House seat, according to a projection by the Associated Press. The Democrat credits his victory to "voters from across the political spectrum."
The 48th Congressional District has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, but Rouda, 56, won a narrow victory, with 52 percent of the vote as of a Saturday update. He had about 8,500 more votes than Rohrabacher, 71.
While Rouda declared victory earlier in the day, Rohrabacher's campaign has declined to concede, citing tens of thousands of ballots that remain to be counted. A statement from the campaign said that they will make a statement once all of the votes are counted.
The conservative Rohrabacher has served 15 terms in Congress, first winning election in 1988.
Three other California U.S. House races remain too close to call for the AP.
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