Democrat Mark Takano, likely boosted by the minority vote in Riverside County, captured a Congressional seat by a 12-point margin over Republican John Tavaglione. Once sworn into office in January, he'll become the first openly gay Asian American to serve in Congress and the first openly gay member of the California Congressional delegation.

The newly created 41st Congressional District was one of the hottest races in California.

The Riverside area has historically been Republican, but the new influx of people into the area lean Democratic and they voted for Obama in 2008.

During the campaign, the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Political Report placed this race in the "leans Democratic" category, according to the Press Enterprise. 

However, in the June primary Tavaglione came out on top with 44.6 percent of the votes, while Takano finished with 36.7 percent of the vote.

More Republicans turned out for this primary than Democrats. 

Both men stand behind their parties' ideology and each have raised more than $750,000 for their campaigns, as of September. 

 

READ MORE ON CALIFORNIA CONGRESSIONAL RACES:

San Diego County Important For House Of Reps.

Long Beach Congressional Race Mirrors The National Scene

Riverside, Calif., Thrust Into Spotlight With New Congressional Seat

 

Reach Staff Reporter Alexis Miller here.