Republican Rep. Ken Calvert has advanced to the November election for California's 40th Congressional District, CBS News projects. The second spot remains uncertain as of Wednesday morning, with Rep. Young Kim leading over Democrat Esther Kim-Varet in early results.
Primary Results and Next Steps
Calvert secured 36.1% of the vote with 41,082 votes, while Kim held 21.6% with 24,605 votes. Kim-Varet trailed with 15.6% and 17,792 votes. Under California's top-two primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
District Redistricting and Political Implications
The race stems from Proposition 50, a 2025 ballot measure backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Democrats, which redrew five districts to favor Democrats. The new 40th District spans parts of Orange County and the Inland Empire, combining areas from Calvert's and Kim's current districts. Democrats currently dominate California's U.S. House delegation 43-9, and the measure could further shrink GOP representation.
Campaign Dynamics and Stakes
Both Calvert and Kim emphasized loyalty to former President Donald Trump during the primary. If Kim holds her lead, the November election will pit two Republicans against each other, with the loser becoming a casualty of the redistricting effort. The district's new boundaries include Corona, Villa Park, Mission Viejo, Murrieta, and Menifee.
Background on Candidates
Calvert, a Corona native, has represented California in Congress for over 30 years, previously holding seats in the 42nd, 43rd, and 44th districts. Kim, of Anaheim Hills, was elected to the 40th Congress in 2020. The primary has been contentious, with personal and political tensions shaping the campaign.