As the Democratic nominee , Gabbard traveled to Charlotte , North Carolina , and spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention . She credited grassroots support as the reason for her come-from-behind win in the primary . Gabbard won the general election on November 6 , 2012 , defeating Republican Kawika Crowley , by 168,503 to 40,707 votes ( 80.6 % − 19.4 % )
2012 Democratic National Convention
2012 Democratic National Convention
Tulsi Gabbard