Gunderson Concedes; Democrat Levin Wins 49th Congressional District
DANA POINT, CA — Republican challenger Matt Gunderson conceded defeat Wednesday to incumbent Rep. Mike Levin in the race for the 49th Congressional District, encompassing both Orange and San Diego counties.
According to the latest tally of results from last week's election, Levin was leading 181,691-167,492 — or 52 percent - 48 percent — in his district, which stretches from Del Mar to Laguna Niguel.
The Associated Press, ABC and NBC all projected Levin as the winner on Tuesday when the latest voting tabulations were released.
On Wednesday morning, Gunderson, a car dealership owner, issued a statement congratulating Levin and thanking his supporters.
"I challenge Congressman Levin to set aside his partisan blinders and remember that the people of this district deserve leaders who are candid and transparent, who will fight for them, protect their opportunities, and help create an affordable California where they can prosper," Gunderson said.
Levin issued a statement late Tuesday hailing the "hard fought" victory.
"Among the top reasons for this win is my record of passing 30 bipartisan laws and bringing back more than $1 billion in funding for projects that are improving our quality of life," Levin said. "I stand by my record and look forward to building on that progress."We still have work to do to lower costs, secure our borders, protect Social Security and Medicare, remove the nuclear waste at San Onofre, put more sand on our beaches, and much more. I am committed to working with my colleagues from both parties on commonsense bipartisan solutions to our pressing challenges. We must come together to deliver for all American families. Let's get to work."
Levin was among 40 Democrats targeted by the National Republican Congressional Committee, the House Republicans' political arm. Levin ran his campaign for a fourth term with the slogan, "Commitment to our community."
City News Service contributed to this report.
