California districts at center of fight for House control

ANAHEIM HILLS, California — Rep. Michelle Steel’s (R-CA) reelection bid, against likely Democratic opponent Derek Tran, an attorney and U.S. Army veteran, is one of several hotly contested House races in California that could help decide the majority.

Republicans are trying to chip away at Democrats’ 40-12 edge in the House delegation California sends to Washington. That margin will become official after a May 21 special election for the deep red 20th Congressional District, covering the eastern Central Valley from the Bakersfield to Fresno areas. Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) quit Congress at the end of last year and left the seat open.