HONOLULU -- Early into the evening, the numbers showed Mazie Hirono ahead by 13,000 votes and she never lost the lead.

Hirono's win kept Hawaii's congressional delegation all Democratic. She said she plans to hit the ground running.

Hirono delivered a victory speech soon after the second printout that showed her ahead with 62 percent of the vote.

"When Jan. 3 comes, and when you're sworn in, there'll be a little angel named Patsy Mink sitting on your shoulder," U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said.

Hirono was considered the favorite heading into the general election. Name recognition and a war chest nearly double that of her opponent, Republican state Sen. Bob Hogue, worked in her favor.

Hirono will be the first person born in Japan to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"It makes me so proud that we are part of a country that gives those kinds of opportunities," she said.

The former lieutenant governor said she plans to join the Democratic majority in the House to bring an end to the war in Iraq, protect Social Security, defend women's reproductive rights and repeal tax breaks for America's wealthiest citizens.

"Clearly I want to do my very best to work hard for the people of the second congressional district and work really closely with our congressional delegation to make sure we bring the resources home to Hawaii," Hirono said.

The newly elected Democrat does not have much time to relish her win. She is scheduled to leave for Washington on Thursday for orientation that begins this weekend.