California voters approved a redistricting measure last year that changed the boundaries of California’s 40th Congressional District. This adjustment resulted in two Republican House members, Rep. Ken Calvert and Rep. Young Kim, entering a primary race for the newly drawn seat. Both incumbents have advanced to the general election in November, as projected by the Associated Press.
Calvert and Kim topped six other candidates, including Democrats and politically unaffiliated individuals, in the nonpartisan primary. The Cook Political Report classifies the 40th District as solidly Republican. If Kim loses in the general election, it would mark one of the first Republican losses in California following the implementation of Proposition 50, the redistricting measure initiated by California Democrats in response to Republican redistricting efforts in Texas.
The new district boundaries incorporate parts of Calvert’s previous 41st District, leading to a competitive primary where both candidates claimed the district as their own. Kim, who was elected in 2020, announced her reelection plans last summer. Shortly after Proposition 50 passed, Calvert declared his intention to run in the 40th District, abandoning the 41st, which was redrawn to favor Democrats.
Calvert has been in the House for 33 years and serves as the chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. His campaign has received contributions from various defense executives and their political action committees, particularly following the onset of the Iran war.
Both candidates have raised significant funds during their primary campaigns. As of May 13, Calvert’s campaign reported over $5.7 million raised and more than $3.6 million spent, while Kim’s campaign reported over $8.2 million raised and $6.6 million spent, according to FEC filings.
In this strongly Republican district within predominantly Democratic California, both candidates have focused on portraying their opponent as insufficiently supportive of former President Donald Trump’s agenda. However, Trump did not endorse either candidate in the primary. Calvert criticized Kim, stating, "We need a conservative who’s been with President Trump through thick and thin, not just when it’s politically expedient," highlighting her perceived moderate stance.
