Paul Ryan wins re-election in 1st Congressional District race

JANESVILLE (AP) -- Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan won re-election in Wisconsin, meaning he has a job to fall back on since he and presidential candidate Mitt Romney failed to win the White House.

The Janesville resident and vice presidential contender won his U.S. House race Tuesday, November 6th -- defeating Democrat Rob Zerban and Libertarian Keith Deschler. Ryan has represented southeast Wisconsin's 1st District since 1998.

Ryan is chairman of the powerful House Budget Committee and was seen as a rising star within the Republican Party even before Romney tapped him as his running mate.

Zerban, a former Kenosha County board member, ran on his credentials as an entrepreneur and small-business owner.

In a statement released by Zerban late Tuesday, he said, “I am thrilled that the American people have voted tonight for four more years of progress — for a President who wants to expand the American Dream, open new doors of opportunity, and secure a strong future for middle-class families across our country. Tonight, that should give us all cause for celebration."

Zerban added: "I’m disappointed that we didn’t prevail tonight in this individual election against Paul Ryan. But I am so proud of the race we ran and all that we’ve accomplished."

CLICK HERE for additional Election Day coverage via FOX6Now.com.