House Budget Chairman John Spratt became the most powerful Democrat to lose his seat so far Tuesday, as the GOP marches toward winning a majority in the chamber.

GOP challenger Mick Mulvaney defeated Spratt, one of the top lieutenants of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). The Associated Press called the race with nearly 70 percent of precincts reporting and Spratt trailing by more than 7 points. 

Spratt joins a roster of veteran House Democrats defeated Tuesday, including Reps. Rick Boucher (Va.), Allen Boyd (Fla.), Paul Kanjorski (Pa.) and Earl Pomeroy (N.D.).