'Santa Claus' to join Congress

(CNN) - Looks like Santa Claus really is coming to town.

Republican Kerry Bentivolio, a Santa Claus impersonator, eked out a win in Michigan for the U.S. Congress, narrowly defeating Democratic opponent Syed Taj, according to a CNN projection.

- Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker

- Check out the CNN Electoral Map and Calculator and game out your own strategy for November.

Also a teacher and reindeer farmer, Bentivolio ran a low-key campaign in an election that was marked by unusual circumstances.

He won his district's primary after five-term GOP Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, a near shoo-in for re-election, abruptly resigned after a surprising failure to qualify for his district's Republican primary ballot.

Bentivolio made headlines during his campaign over testimony he delivered in 1993 during lawsuit proceedings when he said, "Actually, I'd like to say I'm really Santa Claus, and I play somebody else the rest of the year."