Calif. Rep. Brownley holds on in tight race

Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) has warded off a tough challenge to hang on for a second term in Congress.

{mosads}The Associated Press called the race for Brownley Wednesday evening, after local officials counted more ballots and her lead expanded to 2,370 votes over former California state Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R). Brownley’s previous lead had been 1,030 votes.

Brownley represents a Democratic-leaning Los Angeles-area district that President Obama won by 10 percentage points two years ago, but she struggled to secure her hold on the district as the centrist Gorell ran a strong campaign.

“I am honored to have the privilege to continue serving as Ventura County’s Congresswoman. This was a hard fought race and I have the utmost respect for Jeff Gorell — especially for his service to our country,” Brownley said in a statement. “Today’s update confirms that the majority of voters in Ventura County have chosen a representative who will champion their values in Congress. I will continue to stand up for women and families, fight for our veterans, and work to bring jobs and economic security to Ventura County. I am excited to get to work in the 114th Congress and will work tirelessly to find bipartisan solutions in Washington.”

The win is the latest close California race to be called in the days following the election in a state known for its snail-like vote counting procedures. Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) and Mike Honda (D-Calif.) all were declared victors over the weekend.

A pair of races has yet to be called in the state. Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) trails Republican Johnny Tacherra by a small margin, while former Rep. Doug Ose (R-Calif.) has a narrow lead over Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.).