DeFazio wins 18th term, Skarlatos concedes

Joining us this morning for kezi 9 news midday.

I'm jaimie hays.

While both democrats and republicans wait anxiously to find out who will be the next president, democrats locally are feeling good after a night that handed them re- election in multiple races.

In house district four, democratic congressman peter defazio defeated republican challenger alek skarlatos?a race analysts expected to be closer than usual.

Defazio came out on top with 52 percent of the vote to skarlatos at 46 percent.

Kezi 9 news reporter jacob roberts is live from defazio's campaign headquarters in eugene to tell us how the campaign is reacting to the news this was a competitive race, but not as competitive as many expected.

You may have heard our political analyst this morning say he was not all that surprsised to see defazio win.

Rep.

Peter defazio (d) won his 18th term in congress on tuesday, ending a high-profile, expensive, and bitterly negative campaign.

Defazio won about 46 percent of the vote, defeating republican challenger alek skarlatos.

"i am honored to have earned your trust once again to serve the people of southwest oregon in the us house of representatives," defazio said.

"the citizens of southwest oregon spoke clearly tonight in favor of a system that works for the people, not wealthy special interests.

We ran a great campaign with a powerful promise: to protect affordable health care for everyone, defend women's health rights, deliver relief for struggling workers and families, and fight for the future of both our planet and our democracy.

Skarlatos, a 27-year-old former national guardsman, said his political ambitions in the 2020 election began with frustration over regulation surrounding oregon's timber industry.

"i want to thank my grassroots supporters all across oregon and the country," skarlatos said.

"this has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and i am incredibly humbled for having the opportunity to run for office and bring attention to the needs of the citizens of this