US Rep. Jim Himes wins re-election in 4th District

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP/WTNH) — Congressman Jim Himes has won re-election to represent Connecticut's 4th District, which includes wealthy towns in Fairfield County and Bridgeport, the state's largest city.

Himes is a former banker who in 2008 became the first Democrat elected to represent the district in more than 40 years. On Tuesday, he defeated Republican Steve Obsitnik, a former naval officer who has worked as a business executive in the technology industry.

"Gracious concession call from Steve Obsitnik. Good man. Worthy service. Did the GOP proud," Himes said in a Tweet.

Himes endorsed the work of the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction panel in 2010 that called for cutting about $4 trillion from the federal budget over the next decade through an approach that included closing tax loopholes and spending cuts.

Himes supported the 2010 health care reform bill and also praised President Barack Obama's support of gay marriage.