With 51 percent of precincts reporting, the Associated Press called the special election in Florida's 19th Congressional District for Democrat Ted Deutch. At the time, Deutch led Republican Ed Lynch 61% - 36%, with independent Jim McCormick taking just 3%.

Deutch replaces former liberal Rep. Robert Wexler, who left Congress earlier this year to head up the Center for Middle East Peace. The district, which includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, gave both Wexler and President Obama 66% of the vote.

The outcome was not unexpected, as neither party decided to use valuable financial resources on this lopsided district.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman Chris Van Hollen distributed a congratulatory press release at 9:30 p.m. "With his support for health insurance reform and his commitment to creating jobs, protecting Social Security, and ensuring security and peace for Israel, Congressman-elect Deutch will be a great asset to our Democratic Caucus," he said.

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