ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Rep. Peter DeFazio (D) won his 18th term in Congress on Tuesday, ending a high-profile, expensive, and bitterly negative campaign.

DeFazio won about 52% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Alek Skarlatos, who earned 46%.

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“I am honored to have earned your trust once again to serve the people of Southwest Oregon in the US House of Representatives," DeFazio said. "The citizens of Southwest Oregon spoke clearly tonight in favor of a system that works for the people, not wealthy special interests. We ran a great campaign with a powerful promise: to protect affordable health care for everyone, defend women’s health rights, deliver relief for struggling workers and families, and fight for the future of both our planet and our democracy.

Click here to watch DeFazio's victory speech.

Skarlatos, a 27-year-old former National Guardsman, said his political ambitions in the 2020 election began with frustration over regulation surrounding Oregon's timber industry.

“I want to thank my grassroots supporters all across Oregon and the country," Skarlatos said. "This has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I am incredibly humbled for having the opportunity to run for office and bring attention to the needs of the citizens of this district."