Miller Portrays Results as 'Stunning Upset' in 31st Congressional District

The campaign for Rep. Gary Miller, R-Diamond Bar, who is seeking re-election in the new 31st Congressional District that includes Redlands and Loma Linda, portrayed Tuesday's primary election results as a "stunning upset."

Miller held the lead with 26.85  percent and State Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, was second with 25.10 percent in semi-official results last updated at 4:46 p.m. Wednesday.

"Overnight returns show Congressman Gary Miller with a sizable lead in the newly created 31st Congressional District," Miller's staff said Wednesday in a statement headlined "Miller Designs Stunning Upset: Congressman Gary Miller Declares Victory in CD 31."

The Miller campaign "had polling data as early as three weeks ago showing the potential to squeeze the Democrats out of the race if the messaging remained positive against his primary challenger," the statement said.

Miller was quoted in the statement:

"First, let me start by saying I am very humbled and thankful for all of the support we have had from our friends and neighbors here in the 31st. Now it is time for all of us to come together to fix our nation's serious problems so that jobs and economic prosperity can return to San Bernardino County. I am ready to continue that fight on the road to November. . . .

"We have an advantage no one else in this race will have," Miller said. "The best, most dedicated volunteers who will make sure our goal to create new jobs, fight higher taxes and beat back the growing trend of increased Washington over-regulation on our Inland Empire way of life."