California will have at least 4 new members of Congress. Here’s who’s leading
California Democrats flipped seven Republican-held congressional districts, and there will be more change in the state’s delegation at the start of next year.
Four of California’s 53 congressional districts are open because of members’ retirements or resignations.
The highest-profile races are Southern California contests to succeed Democratic Rep. Katie Hill, who resigned in October amid allegations that she had inappropriate relationships with staffers, and Republican Rep. Duncan Hunter, who resigned in January after pleading guilty to a felony campaign finance crime.
Here’s who’s ahead in the races for California’s open seats in the House of Representatives.
Katie Hill’s resignation
Thirteen candidates are on the ballot for the Los Angeles-area district seat vacated by Hill. Chirsty Smith, a state assemblywoman who locked up key Democratic endorsements, is ahead. The district’s former congressman, Steve Knight, and Navy veteran Mike Garcia, are neck-and-neck for second and third place. Both are Republicans.
Duncan Hunter’s vacancy
The contest to succeed Hunter in the San Diego district is former GOP Congressman Darrell Issa, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar following and Republican activist Carl DeMaio. Only two can advance to November.
Hunter resigned earlier this year after pleading guilty to a felony campaign finance crime.
Rep. Paul Cook
Nine candidates are competing to fill Rep. Paul Cook’s seat. The Yucca Valley Republican is retiring to run for a seat on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. Republicans Assemblyman Jay Obernolte has a lead in early returns. Democrat Christine Bubser is in second place, and former Republican Assemblyman Tim Donnelly is in third.
Rep. Susan Davis
Democratic Rep. Susan Davis’ retirement opened this San Diego district. Liberal policy advocate Sara Jacobs and San Diego City Councilwoman Georgette Gomez, both Democrats, are leading a pack of candidates. Former Marine pilot Chris Stoddard, a Republican, is close behind.
Several other California congressional seats are expected to be competitive and primary contests will determine who gets to challenge an incumbent in November. Those races are:
Rep. Josh Harder
Harder, D-Turlock, is a freshman Democrat who flipped a Republican district in 2018. Republicans Ted Howze, a former Turlock city councilman, and Bob Elliott, a San Joaquin County supervisors, are trying to unseat Harder. Howze had the most votes as of 9:30 p.m., breaking about even with Harder.
Rep. T.J. Cox
Cox, D-Fresno, narrowly unseated Republican Rep. David Valadao in 2018. Valadao is back on the ballot, and on track to challenge Cox in November. Valadao has the most votes in the primary for the 21st Congressional District as of 9:30 p.m.
Rep. Devin Nunes
Nunes had the closest election of his career in 2018, when Democrats raised $9 million for his opponent. Nunes’ 22nd Congressional District has a Republican majority, making a difficult target for Democrats. Democrats are making another run at Nunes. Fresno businessman Phil Arballo is ahead of fellow Democrat Bobby Bliatout among the candidates who want to take on Nunes in November.
Tom McClintock
McClintock, R-Elk Grove, represents a firmly Republican district that stretches from Lake Tahoe to Kings Canyon National Park. Brynne Kennedy, a technology entrepreneur, has the most votes among candidates who want to challenge McClintock.
This story was originally published March 3, 2020 at 9:49 PM with the headline "California will have at least 4 new members of Congress. Here’s who’s leading."