Updated: 10:54 p.m.

Rep. Jim Costa (D) declared victory Wednesday in his re-election race in California’s 20th district.

Costa had 1,200 votes more than challenger Andy Vidak, who told the Fresno Bee on Wednesday that he is not ready to concede.

Costa said in a statement: “This has been a hard-fought campaign. It appears that it is now over. I believe our 1,200 vote margin will not only stand up, but will increase as the remaining few ballots are counted.”

He commended Vidak on his commitment to the district and said the region needs Democrats and Republicans to join together on priorities such as employment, health care and schools. “Andy, I hope you will be part of that bi-partisan team,” he said.

As of Wednesday evening, Costa had 39,966 votes to Vidak’s 38,766.