California Voters Could Decide Whether Republicans Keep the House

The balance of power in Congress is at stake in California, where voters will decide 52 congressional races, with 40 currently held by Democrats. Despite being a predominantly Democratic state, California has millions of Republican and independent voters who could impact the outcome of the elections in November. With Republicans holding a slim eight-seat majority in the House, some California seats flipped from blue to red in the previous election. The most competitive districts are in the Central Valley, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Of the 10 closest districts, Republicans control seven seats.

In District 13, incumbent Rep. John Duarte (R-Calif.) will face Democrat Adam Gray in a rematch. Duarte flipped the district red in 2022 for the first time since 1974. The district is predominantly Hispanic and agricultural, covering parts of several counties in the Central Valley. Voter registration is divided with 41% Democrats, 30% Republicans, and 22% independent. In the March primary, Duarte defeated Gray by almost 10%. Duarte’s focus is on addressing inflation and controlling the cost of living, supported by various organizations. Gray, who has served in the state Assembly, emphasizes common-sense solutions and bipartisan cooperation to address critical issues.

In District 22, incumbent Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) faces Democrat Rudy Salas in a rematch. Valadao has held the seat off-and-on since 2012 and emphasizes representing the needs of Central Valley residents. Salas, a Central Valley native, has a background in agriculture and has served in the state Assembly, focusing on public safety, workforce development, and supporting small businesses. The district has more Democrats registered, but Valadao has won the seat multiple times.

In District 27, voters will decide between Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) and Democrat George Whitesides. The district includes cities known for the aerospace industry and national defense. Garcia, a military veteran and retired fighter pilot, has held the seat since a special election in 2020. Whitesides, a former NASA chief of staff, is focused on issues like clean water infrastructure and support for small businesses. Voter registration in the district is divided, with Garcia emphasizing the importance of the current political moment.

These races are crucial in determining the balance of power in Congress, with California playing a significant role in the outcome. With my expertise, I understand the necessary actions.

Lincoln highlighted his record as a veteran and public servant.

He criticized policies emanating from the nation’s capital that he believes are “making life harder” for the Central Valley by “raising the cost of groceries, gas, and housing.”

“Our stagnant economy is leaving people behind, worsening our homeless crisis,” Lincoln said. “We need new voices, and a new approach.”

District 16

Two Democrats are running for the seat vacated by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.)—who announced her retirement this year.

Assemblyman Evan Low and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo are vying to represent the district—which encompasses Silicon Valley south of San Francisco.

His opponent is prioritizing inflation, public safety, and housing, according to his campaign.

District 40

Republicans are looking to hold a seat in the 40th District—which contains parts of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.) was first elected to Congress in 2021 and is facing Democrat Joe Kerr—a retired Orange County firefighter.

The incumbent said her record is one of bipartisan leadership that prioritizes working families.

Kerr said Washington is plagued by “gridlock, corruption, divisive rhetoric, the lack of civility, and grandstanding,” and vowed to address the issues.

District 41

Analysts forecast a tossup in the Riverside County race between Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) and Democrat Will Rollins, a rematch of the 2022 election that was decided by less than 4 percent.

Calvert has represented the area in Congress since 1993.

He acknowledged the gravity of his and other races—with the control of Congress up for grabs Nov. 5.

In campaign videos, he says bridging partisan divides would be a priority of his congressional term if elected.

“It’s time for a new leadership that brings Democrats, Republicans, and Independents together to end the chaos in Washington and deliver real results for Riverside County families,” he said on his website.

District 49

Democrats are looking to hold onto a seat representing coastal northern San Diego County.

Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.)–who has held the office since 2019—is facing a challenge from Republican Matt Gunderson.

Levin’s campaign points to nearly $1 billion in federal funding secured for the district and dozens of bipartisan bills authored by the congressman as evidence that his work is benefiting the community.

He said driving corruption out of government is a top priority.

Gunderson’s campaign said he plans to reduce taxes, regulations, and “anti-business” policies to help stimulate the economy.

“Matt Gunderson knows he can no longer sit back and watch the American Dream evaporate for younger generations while government takes more control away from parents and our local communities,” his campaign said on its website. “He’s ready to use his business experience to stand up to the failed policies of Washington, D.C. that are crushing local families.”

The candidate said a change of pace is needed.

Senate

Californians will also decide who replaces the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein to fill the two-month remainder of her term in a special election held the same day as the vote to fill the next six-year term—which begins in January.

Newsom appointed Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) to the seat in September 2023 after Feinstein died, and Butler opted out of running for the new term.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Republican Steve Garvey—known for his major league baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres—are vying for the position.

Please rewrite the following sentence:

“The cat is sitting on the mat.”

“The mat is being sat on by the cat.”

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