Californians headed to the polls Tuesday to select their representatives in the U.S. House for the next two years. The state's top-two primary system, in which the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party, sets the stage for a series of competitive general elections across the Golden State's 52 congressional districts — the largest delegation in the nation.
The current delegation is heavily Democratic, with 43 Democrats, eight Republicans, and one independent who caucuses with the GOP. However, the political landscape has been reshaped by Proposition 50, a redistricting measure championed by outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom and passed in 2025. The new district lines are widely expected to favor Democrats, potentially netting them several additional seats this cycle.
Key Races to Watch
In the sprawling 1st District covering much of Northern California, Republican Representative James Gallagher is seeking a full term after winning a special election earlier this year to succeed the late Doug LaMalfa. That special election, however, was conducted under the old boundaries. State Senator Mike McGuire, a Democrat who placed third in that contest, advanced from the June primary alongside Gallagher and is now favored to flip the seat for his party.
Two-term Representative Kevin Kiley, who recently left the Republican Party to become an independent while still caucusing with the GOP, is running in the newly drawn 6th District. Kiley cited frustration with partisanship and the passage of Proposition 50 as reasons for his party switch. He faces former state Senator Richard Pan in a Sacramento-area district that leans Democratic.
In the San Joaquin Valley's 22nd District, Republican David Valadao is fighting to hold onto his seat. Valadao has served since 2013, with a brief interruption after losing to TJ Cox in 2018, only to reclaim the seat in 2020. His Democratic challenger is progressive Randy Villegas, who upset more moderate Assembly member Jasmeet Bains in the primary despite Bains having the backing of the House Democrats' campaign arm.
With the retirement of Republican Darrell Issa, the San Diego-area 48th District will elect a new representative. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond (R) and City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert (D) advanced from the June primary, and election handicappers rate the race as a toss-up or leaning Democratic.
Broader Implications
These races are part of a larger national midterm landscape. For context on how these results fit into the overall House picture, see our early bellwethers to watch and our hour-by-hour guide to election night. Additionally, the legal wrangling over California's voter rolls has already drawn national attention, with the Supreme Court recently rebuffing a Trump bid to isolate certain ballots.
Polls close at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, and results will begin streaming in shortly thereafter. The outcome of these contests could determine control of the House, making Tuesday's vote a pivotal moment for both parties.
