The last Republican-held seat has been flipped in Orange County, Calif.
The race for the 39th Congressional District was called for Democrat Gil Cisneros late Saturday, solidifying Democratic control of Orange County in the next term of Congress. The area had been a longtime conservative bastion on the southern California coastline.
Cisneros, a philanthropist, beat former Republican state legislator Young Kim 113,075 to 109,580 votes, or 51 percent to 49 percent. Cisneros will take over for retiring 13-term incumbent Republican Ed Royce.
Other Democrats who rose to victory in Orange County included newcomer Katie Porter unseating incumbent Republican Rep. Mimi Walters; Harley Rouda being declared the winner in the 48th District over Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a 30-year incumbent and staunch ally of President Trump; and Mike Levin beating out Diane Harkey after Rep. Darrell Issa decided not to seek re-election.
Democrats will now control 232 seats to the Republicans’ 198, representing a net gain of 37 seats. Three contests in Utah, Georgia, and New Mexico remain uncalled.
