David Valadao

David Valadao

Republicans have picked up their 11th seat overall in the U.S. House and the third seat in California, as Republican David Valadao reclaimed the seat he lost in the farm belt two years ago.

The Associated Press called the race Friday for former congressman Valadao who was ousted by Democratic Rep. TJ Cox two years ago by 862 votes. On Friday, the California Secretary of State reported that Valadao had 50.5 percent of the vote, and Cox had 49.5 percent. Valadao led by 1,754 votes.