LOS ANGELES — Republicans and Democrats awaited the outcome of vote counting for crucial U.S. House of Representatives districts in California on Wednesday, as the GOP came within one victory of retaining control of the chamber next year.
In a 2022 rematch, Rep. Ken Calvert — the longest-serving Republican in the state’s congressional delegation — rivals Democrat Will Rollins in the 41st District, which is east of Los Angeles and has been a top target for national Democrats.
In Southern California’s Orange County, Republican Scott Baugh conceded his race to Democrat Dave Min in a closely divided swing district, ending his bid to capture the seat vacated by Democratic Rep. Katie Porter.
The Associated Press has not yet declared a winner in that election because thousands of ballots have not yet been counted.
In a post on the social media platform
The 47th District, southeast of Los Angeles, was a top target nationally Republicans who want to protect and possibly expand their slim majority.
Calvert, who was endorsed by newly elected President Donald Trump, claimed his 17th term in 2020 in a district that was narrowly carried by Trump.
“This is a hard-fought victory that shows voters want someone who puts results over party politics,” Calvert said in a post on X.
On Tuesday, Republican Rep. David Valadao’s victory in California’s 22nd District brought Republicans within two wins of retaining the gavel, with a score of 216-207 in favor of the Republican Party as counting continued in a series races across the country.
With Calvert’s victory, the Republican total reached 217.
In California, several races remained in play that could determine control of the House.
Min, who also posted on
California is known as a liberal protectorate — Democrats hold every office in the entire state, dominate the legislature and congressional delegation, and outnumber registered Republicans by a staggering 2-1 ratio. Yet Republicans still retain political power in Southern California’s suburbs and vast rural areas, including the Central Valley.
Orange County was once considered conservative hallowed ground, where white homeowners in the suburbs delivered winning margins to Republicans year after year. It was a fundamental block in the Reagan Revolution. But the county has become more demographically diverse and democratic over time, as has much of the state.
The 47th District, which includes Huntington Beach and other famous surfing beaches, is occupied by Porter, a progressive favorite who will run in 2022 narrowly defeated Baugh, a former Republican lawmaker. Porter, known for his criticism of CEOs during hearings on Capitol Hill, stepped aside to run for U.S. Senate but lost in the primaries.
Given the stakes in the closely divided district, the battle was particularly rancorous. Min ads called Baugh a “MAGA extremist” who would endanger abortion rights. Baugh said Min’s “extremely liberal views” were not in line with the district.