The battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives has shifted to California, where several key races could determine the balance of power in the chamber. Despite the state’s Democratic dominance, Republicans are fighting to hold onto a number of House seats that are crucial for their party’s control of Congress. With only a slim margin separating Republicans and Democrats in the House, the outcome of these races could have a significant impact on the national political landscape.
One of the closely watched races is in California’s 27th District, where Republican Rep. Mike Garcia, a former Navy pilot, is facing a tough challenge from Democrat George Whitesides. Garcia, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, has emphasized his conservative values, while Whitesides, a former NASA chief of staff, has focused on his business experience and criticized Garcia’s stance on abortion rights. National Republicans have targeted Whitesides as being soft on crime, while Garcia has criticized his opponent and other Democrats on issues like inflation and taxes.
In the 47th District, which includes Huntington Beach, Democratic Rep. Katie Porter has stepped aside to run for the U.S. Senate, opening the door for a rematch between former Republican legislator Scott Baugh and Democratic legislator Dave Min. Baugh, who has been labeled a pro-Trump “extremist” by Min, is facing off against a well-funded Democratic opponent in a district that has become increasingly diverse and competitive.
Rep. Ken Calvert, the longest-serving Republican in California’s congressional delegation, is defending his seat in the 41st District against Democrat Will Rollins. Calvert, who has the advantage of incumbency, is facing criticism from Democrats for his conservative credentials and ties to Trump in a district that is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.
In the Central Valley’s 22nd District, Republican Rep. David Valadao is seeking re-election in a heavily Democratic area. Valadao, who has managed to hold onto his seat despite facing steep registration deficits, is emphasizing his support for farmers and bipartisanship. His Democratic challenger, Rudy Salas, is running on a platform of lower drug prices, expanded healthcare, and clean drinking water.
Another closely contested race is in the Central Valley’s 13th District, where Republican Rep. John Duarte is facing a rematch against Democrat Adam Gray. Duarte, who won by a narrow margin in 2022, is up against a Democratic opponent in a district that leans Democratic. Both candidates are highlighting their bipartisan credentials and focusing on issues like inflation, crime rates, and water management.
In the 45th District, Republican Rep. Michelle Steel, a South Korean immigrant, is running for a third term against Democrat Derek Tran. Steel, who has been a vocal advocate for tax cuts and support for Israel, is facing criticism from Tran for her stance on abortion rights and ties to Trump. Tran, the son of Vietnamese refugees, has emphasized the threat to democracy posed by a potential Trump return to the White House.
Overall, these key races in California are shaping up to be crucial battlegrounds that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. With Republicans fighting to hold onto their seats in traditionally Democratic areas and Democrats looking to expand their majority, the outcome of these races will have far-reaching implications for the future of Congress.
