Democrats Gain 20th New Seat in the House

Democrat Frank Kratovil, Jr. defeated Republican Andy Harris in Baltimore's 1st Congressional District as the Democrats added another seat in the House.

Kratovil's victory comes a week after the election and counting of absentee and provisional ballots.

However, Kratovil promised to be more of an Independent than Democrat and not stick to the Democratic agenda.

"I do not intend to go to Washington to blindly follow any particular party, any particular platform, any particular ideological agenda or even any particular president," Kratovil told several dozen cheering supporters outside the Queen Anne's County Courthouse. "I intend to do what, in many respects, Congressman Gilchrest did for 18 years, and that is to be an independent voice for the people of this district."

The win gives Democrats 8 of the 9 House seats from Maryland and means the Democratic Party has gained 20 seats from the Republicans in the House this November. There are still 6 House races that are up for grabs in recounts or runoff elections. Democrats currently hold an 81 seat majority over the Republicans in the House.