STATE AND FEDERAL RACES

Newport-Mesa’s Republican representatives sailed back into office for another term, according to election returns Wednesday.

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Newport Beach’s and Costa Mesa’s two assembly members and two congressmen handily beat back the Democratic challengers.

Newport Beach Rep. John Campbell won his first regular election with 59.0% of the vote. Democratic challenger Steve Young followed with 38.1% and Libertarian Bruce Cohen was behind with 2.9%.

“It’s a considerably greater percentage than I expected, and I am honored by that and I will not let the voters down,” Campbell said of the early returns.

He and Huntington Beach Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, who also represents Costa Mesa, both said now that Democrats have taken back the House, the pressure will be on them to show they have solutions to the nation’s problems.

As Rohrabacher put it, “So now Democrats can demonstrate what they really believe instead of just criticizing.”

Rohrabacher, who was assured enough of reelection to give his money to help other candidates, won with 61.7% of the vote. Democratic challenger Jim Brandt had 34.6%, and Libertarian Dennis Chang was trailing with 3.8%.

Newport Beach Assemblyman Chuck DeVore won a second term, taking 59.6% of votes compared with Democrat Michael Glover’s 40.4%.

“I kept talking about a positive agenda for the future of California and didn’t worry so much about opponents’ attacks,” DeVore said. He expected Republicans to buck the national trend by picking up some more seats in the state house.

Costa Mesa Assemblyman Van Tran garnered 59.7% of votes, and Democratic opponent Paul Lucas had 40.3%.

In the race for the Orange County Supervisors’ fifth district seat, which represents Newport Coast, former Assemblywoman Patricia Bates bested Cathryn DeYoung. Bates had 53.3%, while DeYoung had 46.7%.