After brief holdout, Meg Whitman concedes to Jerry Brown

After watching election returns for a few hours, Republican Meg Whitman ended her campaign for governor graciously Tuesday night at the Hilton Hotel in Universal City.

News organizations had called the race for Jerry Brown soon after the polls closed, but it took a while for the election returns to show a convincing victory. A hotel ballroom full of Whitman’s supporters held out hope that the Republican wave sweeping across the country would reach California.

But around 11:30, Meg Whitman had seen enough. "So I have just called Governor-elect Brown," Whitman said to boos from the crowd, "to wish him well, and it looks like the results are in, and it is time now for Californians to unite behind the common cause of turning around this state that we love."

Whitman’s campaign fell short despite a war chest of $175 million – with $140 million coming from Whitman herself. She thanked her staff and the volunteers that helped her get out the vote and left them with one last request.

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"If we all work together to demand change from Sacramento, a new California will rise," said Whitman. "Let’s never lose sight of what united us: the hope of good jobs, smarter government and better schools for our kids and grandkids."

"You know, in many ways, this election was much bigger than Governor Brown or me. It was about the struggles and dreams of millions of Californians. Our challenges are daunting. And they won’t be solved by politics as usual. But we do need leaders in Sacramento to rise to the occasion and work together."

Exit polls show Whitman fell short with two key voting groups that are the key to victory in California – Latinos and women.