Honda declares victory in Silicon Valley race

Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) is declaring victory in his hard-fought reelection battle against fellow Democrat and former Commerce Department official Ro Khanna.

Citing an “insurmountable lead” among absentee and provisional ballots, Honda on Friday characterized his victory in the Silicon Valley district as a triumph of liberal grassroots efforts over moneyed special interests.

{mosads}“Together, we sent a message that the voters of this district value a lifetime of service to this community more than lifetime of service to oneself,” he said at a press conference flanked by enthusiastic, cheering supporters.

“Together, we sent a message that this election could not be bought by super-PACs and right-wing millionaires and billionaires.”

According to The Associated Press, Honda led Khanna 52 percent to 48 percent after all ballots were cast on Tuesday. The AP has yet to formally call the race, however, due to outstanding provisional ballots.

The tough race has pitted establishment forces within the Democratic Party against some of the biggest names in the tech industry, who supported Khanna. Honda’s district includes the headquarters of many industry giants, including Google, Yahoo and Intel.

Many of the top executives at those companies donated heavily to Khanna, who is 35 years Honda’s junior and framed himself as part of a new generation of leaders. 

Khanna also adopted a more centrist tone and was supported by a super-PAC founded by a former donor. The campaign has denied any involvement with the group.

Honda, meanwhile, earned the support of virtually every major Democratic figure, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and President Obama. 

Khanna’s campaign outspent Honda’s by more than 50 percent, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Both candidates have struck a similar tone on policy matters, such as the need for immigration reform, a top issue for many in the tech sector. The differences between the two would be more in style of legislating than in substance, they have insisted.

During his victory remarks, Honda was asked whether, after eight terms in office, he plans to step down in 2016.  

“Let me be very clear: The answer is no,” he said.