Deep blue California has long been a Democratic stronghold in presidential elections. But far from its azure coastline and sapphire urban centers, the state remains a battleground for several seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
This is especially true this year. Republicans hold a slim three-seat majority, and California has several floating seats, so control of Congress in 2025 will very likely be determined by voters in the Golden State's suburbs.
Tuesday's primaries set the stage for fierce battles in southern and central California, with the top two candidates advancing to the November general election.
Beyond the partisan overtones and anger, there are also some highly competitive local House races in districts where Democrats hold an overwhelming majority, including battles to replace defectors. Rep. Adam B. Schiff and Grace F. Napolitano Seat Located in the Los Angeles area. Because California's primaries are open to the public, two Democrats in those races could advance to the November ballot.
Here's a look at some of the major races.
Los Angeles area
District 27: The northern Los Angeles County seat, currently held by Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Santa Clarita), will likely be one of the most closely partisan House races in the nation in November. With both parties united around their respective candidates, Democrat George Whiteside is likely to advance through the primaries to take on Garcia in the fall. A second Democrat, business owner Steve Hill, is also on the ballot in the district, which includes Palmdale, Lancaster and Santa Clarita.
District 29: This safe Democratic seat stretches from southeast to northeast in the San Fernando Valley and has been held by retiring Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-Pacoima) since 2013. Supporters of the regime are rallying around Congresswoman Luz Rivas, who is seen as the favorite to win the seat. in November. Republican Benito “Benny” Bernal and Democrat Angelica Maria Dueñas are also on the ballot.
District 30: A crowd of prominent elected officials is vying to represent large swaths of Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena, the seat Mr. Schiff has held since 2001. State Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank), Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), former L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer and Los Angeles Unified School Board member Nick Melvoin are considered the strongest candidates in the overwhelmingly Democratic district.
District 31: With Napolitano's retirement, voters in the San Gabriel Valley are choosing a new representative for the first time in a generation. Prominent candidates who could safely win the Democratic seat include former Rep. Gil Cisneros and state Sens. Bob Archuleta and Susan Rubio.
orange county swing seat
District 40: In an inland suburban district primarily based in Orange County, which includes parts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, incumbent Republican Congressman Young Kim has joined forces with former fire chief Joe Kerr and members of the Tustin Fire Department. He is facing two Democratic challengers, Alison Muniz Damicolas. Unified School District Director. Ms. Young is expected to advance to the runoff, and the question is which Democratic senators will join her in the general election, which is attracting national attention.
District 45: Republican U.S. Rep. Michelle Steele faces Democratic challengers Kim Nguyen Penaloza, Derek Tran, Aditya Pai and Cheyenne Hunt for the inland Orange County seat that includes part of Los Angeles County. He was dodging four people. As with the 40th District, the question is which Democrat will take on Steele in the fall.
District 47: With incumbent Rep. Katie Porter (D-Irvine) joining Schiff in the Senate race, her Orange County House seat is up for grabs. Republican Scott Baugh, who Porter narrowly defeated in 2022, is running again for the wealthy, largely coastal seat with support from the state Republican Party. Two Democrats are also running: Joanna Weiss and state Sen. Dave Minn.
san joaquin valley
District 22: An intraparty battle between fellow Democratic state Sen. Melissa Hurtado and former Rep. Rudy Salas has split the Democratic vote enough to allow two Republicans to advance to the general election in this hotly contested House seat. Is there a possibility? That's the existential fear for Democrats hoping to take back the largely agricultural district from vulnerable Republican incumbent Rep. David Valadao.
Valadao is also facing a challenge from the right from fellow Republican and former Fresno City Councilman Chris Mattis. Unless President Biden wins this district in the 2020 election and no Democrats remain in the runoff, it is expected to become one of the most competitive districts in the nation in November.
District 20: In one of California's reddest regions, candidates are vying to replace former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a district that includes parts of Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties. Candidates include Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreau and Rep. Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield), who is supported by McCarthy and former President Trump.
Voters will hold two separate elections within two weeks for seats. In addition to the upcoming March 5 primary election, a special election to fill out the remainder of McCarthy's term is also scheduled for March 19. The winner of the special election will serve in Congress until the next legislative term begins in January 2025.
