House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's loss was a "shock" to many, but new polling figures showed the Virginia congressman was "deeply unpopular" within his own state. According to a Public Policy Polling survey Tuesday night, Cantor had a 65 percent disapproval rating in his district. Cantor's approval rating was only 30 percent.

Immigration reform has been a hot topic for Cantor's reelection. While Cantor said he opposed amnesty for immigrants, his challenger — and Republican primary winner — David Brat called the incumbent a "liberal" on immigration policy. Among the people in Cantor's district, 84 percent stated immigration is an important topic for the U.S. to address. Even 58 percent of Republicans said immigration is a "very" important topic.

The poll revealed 72 percent of voters from Cantor's district support the current bipartisan immigration reform in Washington D.C. while only 23 percent are opposed.

PPP suggested Cantor's loss could have been from a "lack of action" on immigration. The polling service, though, said Cantor didn't lose solely on immigration, but that he was simply unpopular.

"Even in his conservative district voters still want immigration reform passed, and they want it this year," added PPP.

Cantor's political party isn't popular either. The Republican House leadership in the House of Representatives received an approval rating of only 26 percent, with 67 percent disapproving.

After the primary loss, Cantor has decided to resign as House Majority Leader, a position he's held since 2011. Cantor is set to step down from his post July 31, but he won't leave Congress until his term ends in January 2015.

Texas Republican and House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions has said he plans to bid for Cantor's majority leader role. California Republican and House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy is also speculated to vie for Cantor's soon-to-be vacant position.

"Few have fought harder or have accomplished more," said McCarthy in a statement, via the Wall Street Journal. "Eric's dedication and work ethic were essential to Republicans taking back the House in 2010 and steering the accomplishments of this majority every day since. Every single member of this conference is indebted to Eric's graciousness and leadership."

With 100 percent of the precinct reports, Brat, a college professor, won with 36,110 votes to Cantor's 28,898 votes, or 55.5 percent to 44.5 percent, respectively.

"I know there are a lot of long faces here tonight, and it's disappointing, sure, but I believe in this country," said Cantor during his concession speech on Tuesday. "I believe there is opportunity around the next corner for all of us."

Although Cantor can reenter the congressional race as a write-in candidate, he has reportedly told aides he will not pursue it.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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