Across the nation, it was a historic day Tuesday as Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives. But in the central San Joaquin Valley, none of that drama played out.
The region's four incumbents — two Democrats, two Republicans — appeared on their way to posting easy re-election victories.
Merced Democrat Dennis Cardoza was well ahead of Republican challenger John Kanno, as was Mariposa Republican George Radanovich in his race against Democratic opponent T.J. Cox and Visalia Republican Devin Nunes in his re-election bid against Democratic challenger Steve Haze and Green Party candidate John Roger Miller.
Fresno Democrat Jim Costa had the easiest re-election race of all. He was unopposed in the 20th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Kings County, as well as portions of Kern and Fresno counties.
Redistricting, the lack of high-profile challengers and no scandals smoothed the way for area incumbents, said Jeff Cummins, a political science professor at California State University, Fresno.
"California is redistricted a lot more strongly toward incumbent protection," he said.
19th District
With more than 90% of the precincts reporting, Radanovich enjoyed a wide lead over Cox.
Radanovich, 51, said he relished the chance to campaign against a spirited opponent. In the end, he said, "voters thought I was a better match for this district."
This campaign, Radanovich raised more than $1 million — about 40% of which came from political action committees — while Cox, 43, a Fresno businessman, raised close to $650,000, about two-thirds of which came from himself. He ran ads, spent money and faced Radanovich in debate.
Radanovich has had a stranglehold on the district since he was first elected in 1994. Nearly 47% of voters are registered Republican versus 36% Democrat.
The 19th Congressional District includes all of Tuolumne and Mariposa counties, as well as parts of Stanislaus, Madera and Fresno counties.
21st District
Two-term incumbent Nunes was leading with about two-thirds of the votes.
Nunes, a 33-year-old Visalia resident, was the first representative of the newly configured 21st Congressional District.
The district was drawn for a Republican, with close to half the voters registered Republicans, and slightly less than 34% registered as Democrats.
Democrat Haze, a 56-year-old Auberry resident, raised more than $25,000, and loaned his campaign $83,000. Nunes raised more than $1 million.
The district takes in all of Tulare and the eastern third of Fresno counties.
18th District
Incumbent Cardoza had nearly two-thirds of the votes. Republican Kanno, 46, an electrical engineer, raised about $120,000. Cardoza, 47, raised more than $950,000.
The district stretches from Stockton south to rural western Fresno County.
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