The Republican Party's control of the upcoming 114th Congress continued to grow with confirmation results of the last congressional election race in Arizona.

Democratic incumbent Rep. Ron Barber of Arizona's 2nd Congressional District officially lost his re-election bid against Republican candidate Martha McSally. Following a recount, McSally won with 167 more votes than Barber, who received 109,547 votes, while 109,714 votes went in McSally's favor.

Based on the Arizona Secretary of State's election data as of Dec. 1, Cochise County easily provided McSally with the victory, receiving 21,732 votes to Barber's 14,682 votes. In Pima County, Barber won with 94,861 votes to McSally's 87,972 votes. In total, Barber received 109,543 votes, while McSally received 109,704 votes. Only 161 votes made the difference, which resulted in an automatic recount, per state law.

"We're grateful to everyone who devoted their time and resources, especially during the extended vote and recount processes, to get us over the finish line," McSally said in a statement on Wednesday. "With the results of the recount now official, we can move forward as one community to bring Southern Arizonans the strong representation they deserve."

McSally congratulated Barber for his term in office and stated she will be "seeking his input" to ensure a smooth transition.

With the win, McSally guarantees her role on the House of Representatives' Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees. She will be sworn in on Jan. 6, 2015.

Barber has congratulated McSally on her victory and wished her well as she succeeds him.

"This result is not the one we hoped for, but we take solace in having spoken out loud and clear for the principle that every legal vote should be counted," Barber wrote. "As in every election system, there are imperfections in ours, and we must work to correct them. When an election is as close as this one has been, we do our best to arrive at the correct result, and then accept it with respect for the voters."

As a result of McSally's victory, the Republicans have the largest control of the House of Representatives since the Great Depression (1929-1931). For the incoming House of Representatives, Republicans have 247 seats while Democrats have 188 seats.

Latinos are also set to have their largest class in the 114th Congress. After Election Day on Nov. 4, the number of Latinos set to be in the new 114th Congress increased to 32. Specifically, 29 Latinos are part of the House of Representatives -- 22 Latino Democrats and seven Latino Republicans. In the Senate, the current three Latino senators -- Florida Republican Marco Rubio, Democrat Robert Menendez of New Jersey and Republican Ted Cruz of Texas -- did not face re-election this year.

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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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