The race between Democratic Rep. Mike Levin and Republican challenger Matt Gunderson for California’s 49th Congressional District in San Diego and Orange counties is set to be resolved by Tuesday as vote counting continues. remains a close battle.

The 49th District was one of six close congressional races in California that could help determine which party controls the House of Representatives. last month, cook political report The race for the district has changed from “Democratic-leaning” to “Democratic-leaning,” a sign of a concerted effort by the Republican Party to reverse the blue seat.

Levin, a former environmental lawyer, was elected to Congress in 2018 and has supported zero-emission vehicles, water quality protection and the safe removal of nuclear fuel from the shuttered San Onofre nuclear power plant.

Before retiring, Mr. Gunderson operated three car dealerships in Orange County. He ran as a supporter of abortion rights, tax cuts, and border security.

Mr. Levin maintained a financial advantage over Mr. Gunderson, raising about $5.1 million as of Oct. 16, compared to Mr. Gunderson’s approximately $4.2 million.

Top issues in the coastal region, located about 80 miles north of the Mexican border, included the environment, housing, veterans issues and immigration.

Levin was one of several Democrats in battleground states to take a more aggressive stance on tightening border security this year. He stood with President Biden as president earlier this year announced a presidential order Limit asylum at the border. The order raised legal standards for asylum claims and restricted border crossings. Gunderson said the president’s order came too late.