Democrat Juan Vargas won handily over Republican Michael Crimmins in the 51st Congressional District.
The race was to see who would replace Bob Filner, who vacated the South Bay-Imperial Valley district seat to run for San Diego mayor.
The 51st race boiled down to last June's primary. Vargas was the favorite after defeating former Democratic legislator Denise Moreno Ducheny in the primary.
A member of the majority in California's legislature, Vargas now joins the Democratic minority in Congress.
“I always reached across the aisle and worked with Republicans,” Vargas said. “I am hoping we could do what Ronald Reagan did.”
Other incumbents held serve in San Diego County’s three other congressional districts. Democrat Susan Davis and Republicans Darrell Issa and Duncan Hunter all eased to victory.
With the GOP retaining control of the U.S. House, Issa will remain chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
