Ken Calvert defeats fellow Republican Young Kim in redrawn California district

Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., is projected to defeat fellow Republican Rep. Young Kim in the 40th Congressional District, a race that was called Monday night. The new map, approved by California voters, combined parts of both lawmakers' previous districts into one seat, setting up an intraparty contest. Kim congratulated Calvert in a statement and criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting plan for forcing two Republicans into the race. The redistricting and the Democratic-leaning midterm results have sharply reduced the Republican presence in California's House delegation, from nine seats to three or four. One race remains too close to call a week after the election. Calvert had declared victory days earlier while ballots were still being counted. The district covers suburban areas of eastern Orange County and extends into western Riverside County. Rep. Tom McClintock and Rep. Vince Fong also won re-election in the 5th and 20th districts. Rep. Jay Obernolte held a narrow lead of about 3,384 votes over Democrat Tessa Lynn Hodge in the 23rd District, with ballots still being counted. Four other California Republicans are leaving Congress in January 2027.

Calvert is the longest-serving Republican in the state's House delegation.