Congressman McNerney fought off a spirited campaign from Republican challenger Dean Andal, a former state lawmaker from Stockton. McNerney attributes his victory to his close ties with constituents. 
 
They like the fact that I come home every weekend and work on their issues. And that I’m focused on my district, rather than getting involved in the politics in Washington.
 
The 11^th District includes a large area of San Joaquin and portions of three other counties.  McNerney won by a comfortable margin. The race was expected to be one of the closer congressional contests in California.