Rep. Devin Nunes re-elected, beats Dem. Phil Arballo for District 22 congressional seat, ABC News projects

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Republican Congressman Devin Nunes has won his tenth term as representative for California's 22nd Congressional District, ABC News projected on Wednesday.

On Wednesday evening, challenger Phil Arballo conceded the race.

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Nunes weathered an early storm, which saw Arballo jump to an initial lead on election night.

But the incumbent eventually pulled ahead. He led the Democratic challenger by over 16,000 votes, garnering 53% of the vote.

Arballo was joined by his family outside his headquarters in northwest Fresno on Wednesday afternoon. He said, "This is an experience that my family and I will never forget nor regret. I am proud of this campaign. I am proud of every single person that was involved."

Congressman Nunes was not available for comment.

Arballo didn't have the name recognition though Nunes recognized a challenge early on.

But by night's end, Nunes was able to position himself for victory.

Political analyst Mark Keppler said, "I think that's going to be Devin Nunes' future going forward - competitive races."

Nunes used a large chunk of his $23 million campaign war chest to flood the airwaves with ads and mailboxes with pamphlets and books.

Kepler added, "Well you could see that Devin Nunes knew that there was something going on in his district because, frankly, I've never seen him (campaign) so hard."

The 22nd Congressional District covers portions of both Fresno and Tulare Counties.

Nunes enjoyed about an 8,000-vote edge in each county.

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