Karly King, 15, gives a thumbs up at Golden Hall in downtown San Diego, Nov. 8, 2016.
Candidates, news media and election night revelers gathered in downtown San Diego Tuesday to watch returns come in and celebrate — or brace for — a new president. Democrats held a watch party at the Westin Gaslamp Hotel while Republicans gathered at the U.S. Grant Hotel.
Early in the night, San Diego Democrats grimaced as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appeared to be on the road to the presidency. As his win became more apparent, Democratic crowds thinned as Republicans — some wearing "Make America Great Again" hats — gathered around televisions to celebrate.
The race was called shortly before midnight and Trump took the stage for his victory speech.
San Diegans at a Republican watch party at the U.S. Grant Hotel react to the news that Donald Trump won the presidency, Nov. 8, 2016.
Milan Kovacevic
San Diegans gather at the U.S. Grant Hotel to watch Republican candidate Donald Trump win the U.S. presidency.
Milan Kovacevic
San Diegans at a Republican election party at the U.S. Grant Hotel celebrate after the announcement that Donald Trump won the presidency.
Milan Kovacevic
Donald Trump supporters gather to watch election returns at the U.S. Grant Hotel, Nov. 8, 2016.
Nancee Lewis
A San Diego woman at a Democratic watch party reacts to early election results that show Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump leading, Nov. 8, 2016.
Milan Kovacevic
San Diegans carry a "Hillary For Prison 2016" sign at the U.S. Grant Hotel, Nov. 8, 2016.
Nancee Lewis
San Diegans at a Democratic watch party react to early election results that show Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump leading, Nov. 8, 2016.
Milan Kovacevic
Donald Trump supporter Noah Kuschel attends an election watch party at the U.S. Grant Hotel, Nov. 8, 2016.
Nancee Lewis
Voters watch election returns come in at San Diego's Democratic headquarters at the Westin Gaslamp Hotel, Nov. 8, 2016.
Milan Kovacevic
San Diegans gather at the U.S. Grant Hotel on election night, Nov. 8, 2016.
Nancee Lewis
Juan Bermudez takes a selfie with cardboard cutouts of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the Westin Gaslamp Hotel, Nov. 8, 2016.
