Rep. Sherman beats Rep. Berman in Calif. member match-up

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) defeated fellow Democratic Rep. Howard Berman in their member-vs.-member match-up.

It was a nasty campaign, with the two lawmakers almost coming to blows during a debate and having to be separated by a police officer.

Sherman led with 40 percent of the vote to Berman's 20 percent. He was favored to win. Berman conceded after The Associated Press called the race.

The redistricting process put the two men in the same seat, which contained much of Sherman's old territory. Under California's new primary system, the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, move on to the general election.

Democratic leadership indicated a preference for Berman, with Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), the No. 2 in leadership, endorsing him. Berman also had the endorsement of prominent Republicans like Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who cited his work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Sherman, meanwhile, had the support of former President Clinton.

—This story was updated at 5:28 a.m.

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