Report: Bruce Braley Defeats Ben Lange, Re-Elected in Iowa's 1st District Congressional Race

Bruce Braley has come out ahead in the heated and at times hostile race for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

Braley, a Democrat, claimed 57 percent of the vote, while challenger Ben Lange received 42 percent. Braley gave his victory speech in front of several hundred jubilant Democrats at the United Auto Workers hall in Waterloo.

"This election proves once and all that the people of Iowa are desperate for mature leaders who are going to put aside partisan bickering and come together to solve the tough problems we face as a country," he said. "Those problems will only be solved by people who are willing to reach out and develop strong relationships with people who may not share their party, but share their love of country and the desire to move this country forward."

The mood was sullen at the Linn County GOP watch party at the Longbranch Hotel in Cedar Rapids, with the announcement of Lange's loss and President Barack Obama's predicted victory.

Lange however tried to look at the positives in the midst of defeat.

"I think this is a call to action for the Republican Party," said Lange, referring to Braley's and Obama's victory. 

Lange congratulated Braley on his victory but warned that the congressman must tackle serious issues facing the country.

"He knows there are policies we continue to talk about," said Lange, referring in part to the deficit. "I’ve said over and over again, my daughters' generation are going to be on the hook for this."

Lange said he was not sure if he would run again. 

This marks Braley's fourth term in office.