Congresswoman Betty Sutton loses bid for 16th Congressional District

PARMA, Ohio - It was one of the most closely watched and most expensive races in the U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

Redistricting pitted two incumbents against each other, Democrat Betty Sutton and Republican Jim Renacci.

Sutton, a  three-term Democrat, currently serves in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Ohio's 13th District. But last year, the congressional districts were redrawn and two seats were eliminated.

Sutton arrived at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 33 around 8:30 Tuesday evening and greeted supporters. Sutton was optimistic after seeing an early lead, but it didn't last. Sutton called Renacci around midnight and then conceded the race.

"This was a tough district, a tough race, everyone here has given their all," Sutton told campaign workers and supporters.

"This campaign, although we did not win on the electoral side is certainly a winning campaign, I'm so proud of all that you have done," Sutton said.

Sutton was born and raised in Barberton, and is the youngest of six children. Her mother worked at the local library, her father was a boilermaker. Sutton said she's never forgotten her blue collar roots.