FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Democrat Congressman Jim Costa released a statement Friday evening after the Associated Press declared him the winner of California's 21st Congressional District race. Although some ballots still need to be counted, the Associated Press declared Costa the winner of the race for California's 21st Congressional District on Friday around 6 p.m. PST. He was running against Republican Michael Maher. Costa released a statement shortly after which reads: There are only a little over 22,000 ballots left to be counted in Fresno and Tulare Counties and the Associated Press has called my race. We gained almost 7,000 votes with the most recent election reports and are now ahead by 8,333 votes or 52.3%. My margin continued to grow, especially as vote counts came in from Fresno County, where 75% of the district's voters reside. I am looking forward to returning to Congress and continuing to work for the people of the 21stCongressional District. My appreciation to the tireless efforts of county elections staff throughout our nation as they do their job to ensure that every vote is counted. Thank you to everyone who participated in our democratic process, and to my family and friendsfor their support. As I always say, I put my trust and faith in the people of our valley who I serve. Jim Costa. California's 21st Congressional District includes the cities of Fresno, Dinuba, Exeter, Parlier, Reedley, Sanger, Selma and other communities in Fresno and Tulare counties. The Associated Press contributed to this article.