On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi (D) won a special election to represent California's 10th congressional district in the House of Representatives, CQ Today reports.
Prior to being elected lieutenant governor, Garamendi served as insurance commissioner and held state legislative offices. He also served in the Interior Department during the Clinton administration (CQ Today, 11/4).
With all districts reporting, unofficial results indicate that Garamendi received 52.9% of the vote, compared with 42.6% received by his Republican opponent David Harmer (Lin, AP/San Diego Union-Tribune, 11/4).
Garamendi will fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D), who left Congress in June to accept a post at the State Department (Garofoli, San Francisco Chronicle, 11/4).
Another Vote for Health Reform?
During his campaign, Garamendi said he will vote with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on health care reform legislation.
He also told supporters that he plans to fly to Washington, D.C., this week for his swearing-in ceremony (AP/San Diego Union-Tribune, 11/4).
Garamendi said, "I may very well be there this weekend to provide a critical vote on health care. I would be very happy to make that 'yes' vote my first vote in Congress" (San Francisco Chronicle, 11/4).
Governor To Nominate Replacement
Garamendi's victory also means that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) will need to nominate a new lieutenant governor to serve out the remainder of Garamendi's term, which runs through January 2011.
The Assembly and Senate, which both have Democratic majorities, will need to approve Schwarzenegger's pick with a majority vote (AP/San Diego Union-Tribune, 11/4).