INDIANAPOLIS -- Democratic Rep. Baron Hill held on to his seat in the 9th District Tuesday night, defeating Republican Mike Sodrel in the pair's fourth matchup.

"It is with deep and heartfelt gratitude that I thank the people of southern Indiana for allowing me to continue serving in Congress," Hill said in a release Tuesday night. "I consider it a distinct honor and privilege to represent them in Washington."

Hill and Sodrel have faced off every two years in the congressional race since 2002, most recently in 2006. Sodrel was among three incumbent Republican congressmen defeated in Indiana that year.

"I am grateful to my family, friends and great volunteers that have supported me in this race," Sodrel said in a release Tuesday night. "I have known victory and I have known defeat. I am at peace with the outcome."