California Democrats on Tuesday appeared to survive the threat of being locked out of contests across Orange County — key districts that will be critical in their quest to recapture the House majority.
Democrats look poised to secure runoff spots in nearly all of the seven GOP-held districts that were won by Hillary Clinton in 2016. In the final stretch, Democrats scrambled to prevent a total shutout, spending millions across three of the Clinton-won seats in Orange County to boost their preferred candidates and attack Republicans.
California’s “jungle primary” system allows the top two candidates to advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. That setup had Democrats worried they might not make the top two in some districts where several Democrats ran and risked splitting the party vote.
But in the 39th District, which stretches from Fullerton to Yorba Linda and into Los Angeles County, Democrat Gil Cisneros nabbed the second spot on the ballot. The Associated Press called the race Wednesday morning. Cisneros will take on Republican Young Kim in the general. The seat is being left vacant by retiring Republican Ed Royce.
In the 49th District, Democrat Mike Levin is leading two other Democrats, Sara Jacobs and Doug Applegate, for the second spot. All three are well ahead of the rest of field, guaranteeing a Democrat will advance in the race to replace outgoing Republican Darrell Issa. The winner will battle Republican Diane Harkey for the seat.
In the 48th District race, party favorite Harley Rouda is currently beating out fellow Democrat Hans Keirstead by less than 100 votes. Whoever is declared the winner will face incumbent Republican Dana Rohrabacher.
In the 45th Congressional District, progressive Katie Porter will challenge two-term Republican Mimi Walters. Though Clinton won the district, it will be tough flip for Democrats. Walters won re-election in 2016 by 15 points.
As of Wednesday morning, Democrats feared a possible shut out in the 10th Congressional District. Investor Josh Harder is clinging to second place, leading a Republican for the slot by less than 1,000 votes.
