Politics & Government

Lungren Admits Defeat in Congressional Race Against Bera

Updated: Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) conceded Friday.

Updated: Longtime Congressman Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) said Friday that he feels confident that he has been ousted from the House of Representatives by Elk Grove Democrat Ami Bera.

"I am satisfied that enough votes have been counted to determine that I will not be representing the citizens of the 7th Congressional District during the 113th Congress," Lungren wrote in a statement. "It was a tough campaign and I accept the outcome."

Lungren and Bera were deadlocked for days after the election, and the Associated Press called the race in Bera's favor Thursday. Lungren, who represented the Long Beach area in the 1980s, wished Bera well:

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"I congratulate Dr. Bera in his victory and I wish him well as he accepts this new challenge," Lungren wrote. "It is my hope that Dr. Bera approaches Congress, as have I, with a humble heart, respect for the institution and a desire to perform his duties in the best interest of the people he represents and the country."

A spokeswoman from Bera's campaign said the Democratic candidate had been "cautiously confident" as votes were counted and his lead increased.

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“Congressman-elect Bera is excited and honored that the people of Sacramento County have elected him to represent them," said Allison Teixeira, a spokesperson for the Bera campaign.  "He is very thankful to Congressman Lungren for his service, and now he is ready to start preparing to represent the people of the 7th district.”

Lungren called Bera to concede early Friday afternoon.

Bera flies back from Washington, D.C., Saturday morning after a week at new congressmember orientation.

He’s having a volunteer appreciation party next week, and then flies back to D.C. after Thanksgiving for another week of orientation.

Lungren beat Bera in the 2010 election; this time the congressional district had been radically changed by redistricting.

Lungren's full statement is as follows:

I am satisfied that enough votes have been counted to determine that I will not be representing the citizens of the 7th Congressional District during the 113th Congress. It was a tough campaign and I accept the outcome.

I congratulate Dr. Bera in his victory and I wish him well as he accepts this new challenge.

It is my hope that Dr. Bera approaches Congress, as have I, with a humble heart, respect for the institution and a desire to perform his duties in the best interest of the people he represents and the country.

No one can fulfill the obligations of public service alone. The contributions of my wife Bobbi and our family have been inestimable. I could never thank them enough. My staff has worked tirelessly on behalf of others – there are no better public servants anywhere.

I am proud of the work we have accomplished representing Californians both in the California Department of Justice and in the United States Congress. The experience of 18 years serving in the House of Representatives and eight years as California’s Attorney General truly has been an honor and one for which I will be forever grateful.

During my time in the House, we were able to build coalitions across the aisle to advance legislation that not only benefitted the people of the district, but all Americans. I am proud of the meaningful work we have achieved with Folsom Dam, our levees, U.S. port security, chemical facility security, cyber security, criminal justice reform, immigration reform, national security, human trafficking, reining in government spending and the myriad of other issues that came before the Congress.

Bobbi and I wish to thank the multitude of volunteers and supporters who were by our side in this effort. Your support is gratifying and humbling and for that we are immensely grateful. God Bless you and God bless this land of ours.

Dan Lungren

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