Democrat Charlie Brown has conceded defeat in the 4th Congressional District race against Republican Tom McClintock.

In a letter to supporters, Brown said that the margin of victory for McClintock, about 1,800 votes out of more than 370,000 tallied, was too much to overcome, suggesting that he'd decided against asking for a recount.

"Unfortunately, we've come up less than one half of one percent -- just under 1,800 votes -- short of victory," Brown wrote in the letter. "So a short time ago, I called Senator Tom McClintock to congratulate him on a hard fought victory, and to wish him well in Congress."

Brown thanked his supporters and said he felt proud of being involved in a two-campaign cycle effort that was fixed on patriotism and service to country.

"I know that as individuals, a community, and a nation, our future will not be determined by the outcome of one or two elections," Brown said in the letter. "It will be measured in our long and steady dedication to the values we have championed, the solutions we've offered, the approach we've taken, and the dialogue we've initiated together."

The letter did not indicate whether Brown, who also lost a close race in 2006 against then-4th District incumbent U.S. Rep. John Doolittle (R-Roseville), would consider a third try for Congress.

McClintock claimed victory Monday, after vote totals were nearly complete in all nine counties that are partially or wholly within the 4th.

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• With most votes in, McClintock repeats claim of congressional seat win