Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) beat back a continuing ethics scandal and his Republican opponent to earn a 21st term in Congress.

The 80-year-old Congressman soundly defeated his GOP challenger, Harlem pastor Michel Faulkner, according to the Associated Press, which called the race with just 12 percent of precincts reporting and the incumbent leading by 75 points.

Once he survived a crowded Democratic primary, Rangel was never really in danger of losing his 15th district seat. His district, which comprises Harlem and Spanish Harlem, is heavily Democratic. 

But even as he celebrates his victory, Rangel faces an ethics trial that could begin in the coming weeks.