Republicans and Democrats were eagerly awaiting the results of vote-counting for crucial U.S. House districts in California. The GOP secured a majority in the chamber with a race call in Arizona. In a rematch from 2022, Rep. Ken Calvert won in the 41st District, east of Los Angeles, against Democrat Will Rollins. In Orange County, Democrat Dave Min won against Republican Scott Baugh in a closely divided swing district. The 47th District was a target for national Republicans.
Calvert, supported by President-elect Donald Trump, secured his 17th term in a district narrowly carried by Trump in 2020. Min vowed to fight for democracy, freedoms, and economic opportunities in Congress. Baugh acknowledged his campaign came up short despite his strong effort.
Republican Rep. David Valadao’s win in California’s 22nd District brought Republicans within two wins of retaining the House majority. The GOP had a 216-207 lead as counting continued across the country. With Calvert’s victory, the Republican count reached 217, and Rep. Juan Ciscomani’s win in Arizona secured a majority.
In the 45th District, Republican Rep. Michelle Steel maintained a slight lead over Democrat Derek Tran as the vote count continued. Despite California’s liberal reputation, Republicans have political influence in Southern California suburbs and rural areas. Orange County, once a conservative stronghold, has become more diverse and Democratic over the years.
The 47th District, including Huntington Beach, was previously held by Democrat Katie Porter, who narrowly defeated Baugh in 2022. Porter ran for the U.S. Senate in the recent primary and lost. The race between Min and Baugh was intense, with negative ads highlighting their opposing views.
The article highlights the changing political landscape in California, where once-conservative areas are shifting towards a more diverse and Democratic representation. The results of these House races reflect the ongoing political dynamics in the state and the country as a whole. It showcases the importance of local elections and the impact they can have on the national political scene.
