KINGSBURG, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The race to represent California’s 21st Congressional District came down to Republican candidate Michael Maher and Democratic incumbent Jim Costa. Both candidates held watch parties on Election night.Friends, family and supporters of Maher gathered at Magosh Brewing in Kingsburg to witness polling results for what was a tight congressional race.Congressman Costa has won ten congressional races representing California, but a familiar challenger was competing to represent California's 21st Congressional District.“Our campaign has sparked so much interest from every group of people and every walk and actually every party we have in the room tonight, Democrats, independents, Republicans,” Maher said.Maher hosted a watch party in Kingsburg. The Republican challenger is a veteran, a former FBI agent and a business owner.“As a business owner, the overburdening regulations, low taxes, the cost of healthcare and all of these things, I feel it. And so I think there is a unifying relation that this isn't about a party. This is really about the future of our valley and a new generation,” Maher said.Maher is a political newcomer. He ran against Costa back in 2022 to represent California’s 21st district, falling short by over 10,000 votes. However, Maher says this year's election was different. “I look forward to the future of this valley. Growing. Solving our water issues. Using the technology that we all know is out there and implementing it to make our lives more affordable, easier, and really the growth of our Central Valley,” Maher said.Maher and his supporters said they are optimistic about the future of their campaign and the future of the country.