– California Republicans, led by Kevin McCarthy, have been able to regain power in swing districts in recent years
– The outcome of the 2024 House majority will likely be determined by competitive California congressional districts
– Key Republican-held districts in California, which were won by Joe Biden in 2020, will play a crucial role in the 2024 elections
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy has worked to help the California GOP gain power in recent years by winning swing districts where the party still has support. The House majority in 2024 will likely be determined in these competitive districts across the state, from the Central Valley to the outskirts of Los Angeles and Orange County.
One of the key Republican figures in California is Rep. Young Kim, who won her seat in the 40th District in 2020, becoming one of the first Korean-American women in the House. Rep. Michelle Steel, in the 45th District, also won in 2020 by appealing to socially-conservative voters. Rep. Mike Garcia, a former Navy fighter pilot, won in the 27th District in a close race in 2020, and the district remains a top priority for both parties in 2024.
Rep. Ken Calvert, the longest-serving California Republican, faces a competitive reelection fight in the 41st District, which he has represented since 1993. John Duarte, a businessman and pistachio farmer, holds a seat in the pro-Biden 13th District and won in a close race in 2022. Lastly, Rep. David Valadao, a wealthy dairy farmer, returned to Congress in 2020 and won by a narrow margin in the 22nd District. These Republican-held districts will play a crucial role in determining the party that holds the speaker’s gavel in 2025.