Rep. Mike Garcia conceded Monday and congratulated political newcomer George Whitesides as the two vied to represent California's 27th Congressional District.
NBC News projected that Whitesides took the lead with 51.2% of voters's support, compared to incumbent Garcia's 48.8%. As of Monday evening, more than 288,000 votes were counted.
"I spoke with George Whitesides this evening to congratulate him, and I will ensure a smooth handoff of open constituent case work packages to him and his team," Garcia said in a statement.
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The district, which includes Ventura County and parts of Northern Los Angeles County, including Lancaster, Palmdale and Santa Clarita, was one of the seats Democrats were hoping to flip.
More than 40% of registered voters in the district identified as Democrats while 30% declared themselves as Republicans, according to the California Secretary of State.
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Garcia was a Navy fighter pilot and a U.S. defense contractor before entering politics while Whitesides, a former NASA chief of staff, served as the CEO of Virgin Galactic.
