Republicans Come Out Ahead In California House Races

by Robert Donachie

Democrats avoided a complete lockout in California Tuesday evening, narrowly advancing in a number of competitive House races that are likely to become critical in November.

The state has a “jungle” primary system, wherein the top two vote-getters advance to the midterms. That was expected to threaten Democrats in a number of districts throughout the state, where the party ran a high volume of candidates.

Democrats ran a full field of candidates in three southern California districts, which former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton carried in 2016. Republicans edged out the top spot in California congressional districts 10, 22, 23, 25, 39, 45, 48 and 49.

Democrats captured second place in the races to replace outgoing GOP Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa.

California 48 in Orange County was one of the more competitive races. GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher captured 30 percent of the vote, but two Democrats — Harley Rouda and Hans Keirstead — captured roughly 17 percent. Another Republican candidate is on their heels with 16 percent of the vote. The second place victor has yet to be decided.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes easily cleared the top spot in their respective districts.

One thing to note about California primary results is that the final tallies won’t come for weeks. Out of state voters who sent mail-in ballots will have their votes counted as long as they are postmarked for Tuesday.

Democratic Lt. Gov Gavin Newsom won the top spot in the gubernatorial race versus Republican John Cox. The pair will face off in November.

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