Both Runyan and tea party organizations criticized Adler, claiming that his campaign planted a phony tea party candidate in the race to take votes from the Republican. Adler and the independent candidate, Peter DeStefano, both denied the accusations.
Adler was a longtime state legislator who won the congressional seat two years ago after the Republican who had long represented it retired. The district stretches from the Philadelphia suburbs to state's beaches.
Runyan spent 14 years in the NFL. He played for the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, Eagles and San Diego Chargers.
CLICK HERE for the complete list of election results from 6abc.com