RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A career nurse who became a tea party favorite in North Carolina has ousted a veteran Democratic lawmaker from Congress.

Republican candidate Renee Ellmers called Tuesday's win a "victory for the people." She joined a GOP wave that swept the nation and put the party back in control of the U.S. House.

Republicans had eyed several Democratic incumbents in North Carolina as potential seats to flip in their favor. But outside groups mostly bypassed the Ellmers race to target three other Democrats: Reps. Heath Shuler, Larry Kissell and Mike McIntyre. Each of those incumbents retained his seat.

Etheridge declined to concede his race, saying he wanted to make sure every vote was counted properly.