Democrats Keep California Congressional Seat

Democratic Lt. Gov. John Garamendi has won a special congressional election in the 10th District of California, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday night.

Garamendi had been polling well ahead -- by double digits -- of his GOP opponent, businessman and attorney David Harmer, since the start of the race. Democrats have an 18-point edge in registration in the Bay Area district, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Garamendi, 64, will replace Democratic Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher, who stepped down to take a job in the Obama administration. He could be sworn in as early as Thursday morning.

"I may very well be there this weekend to provide a critical vote on health care," Garamendi told The Chronicle Tuesday. "I would be very happy to make that yes vote my first vote in Congress."

Garamendi is a former state insurance commissioner and lawmaker who has been active in California politics for three decades.

The 10th Congressional District includes Contra Costa and Solano counties near San Francisco, and small swaths of Alameda and Sacramento counties.

Also on the ballot were candidates from the Green, American Independent and Peace and Freedom parties.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will appoint a new lieutenant governor. In the meantime, Garamendi's chief of staff, Mona Pasquil, will hold the position in an acting capacity.

Tauscher was appointed President Obama's undersecretary of state for arms control and international security.

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