Early primary results across California are already offering a first look at how newly drawn congressional districts could reshape the fight for control of the U.S. House.
This is the first election under Proposition 50, the voter-approved measure that redrew congressional maps statewide — shifting district boundaries, changing who votes where, and putting several previously Republican-held seats into play for Democrats. Those changes are a key reason these races were targeted as potential Democratic pickups, with the outcome helping determine the balance of power in Washington.
California’s top-two primary system adds another layer of uncertainty: the two highest vote-getters advance to November regardless of party, raising the possibility of same-party runoffs in heavily Democratic districts even as more competitive seats begin to take shape.
With millions of ballots still to be counted, these early returns are only a snapshot — but they’re starting to signal which candidates are likely to advance and where the most competitive general election matchups could emerge.
Here’s a look at some of the most interesting California Congressional races.
Congressional District 3 results show Bera leads, Tucker likely to advance
The open 3rd Congressional District in the Sacramento suburbs remains too close to call, though a Bera–Tucker matchup appears likely based on early returns.
With all 307 precincts partially reporting as of 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, Democrat Ami Bera leads with 34.8%, followed by Republican Robb Tucker at 32.7%. Republican Christine Bish (12.4%) and Democrat Heidi Hall (11.4%) trail.
Current results:
Bottom line: Bera and Tucker are likely headed to a November runoff.
District 4 results show Thompson leads, Riehle ahead for second as race remains unsettled
The 4th Congressional District in Northern California’s wine country is leaning Democratic under new lines, but the primary remains competitive with multiple candidates still in the mix.
With 397 of 433 precincts partially reporting as of 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson leads with 37.9%. Republican Ray Riehle is in second at 23.9%, ahead of Democrat Eric Jones at 20.9%.
Current results:
Bottom line: Thompson is on track to advance, while Riehle holds the edge for second, but the race remains close and not yet final.
District 6 results show Kiley leads, race for second remains competitive
The 6th Congressional District race is shaping up as one of the cycle’s most closely watched, with independent Kevin Kiley, who recently left the Republican party, leading early in a crowded field.
Current results:
Bottom line: Kiley is currently on track to advance, but the second spot remains unsettled as additional ballots are counted.
District 7 race could lead to a Democrat vs. Democrat runoff
The 7th Congressional District race in the Sacramento area remains unsettled, with early results showing a clear leader but a tightly contested battle for the second spot in a heavily Democratic seat.
With all 315 precincts partially reporting as of 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, Democratic Rep. Doris Matsui leads with 32.1%. Democrat Mai Vang (24%) and Republican Zachariah Wooden (23.3%) are nearly tied for second, with Republican Ralph Nwobi (16.9%) also within range.
Current results:
Bottom line: Matsui appears on track to advance, but who joins her in November remains uncertain as more ballots are counted.
District 11 results show Wiener and Chan heading to runoff to replace Nancy Pelosi
The 11th Congressional District race in San Francisco is shaping up as an all‑Democrat November matchup, with California State Senator Scott Wiener and San Francisco County Supervisor Connie Chan currently holding the top two spots in an open-seat contest following Nancy Pelosi’s retirement.
With 439 of 453 precincts partially reporting as of 11 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, Wiener leads with 41.3%, followed by Chan at 28.6%. Democrat Saikat Chakrabarti trails in third at 14.9%, with other candidates in single digits.
Current results:
Bottom line: Wiener and Chan are on track for a November runoff, but final results are not yet certified.
District 13 results show Gray leads, former Stockton mayor Lincoln holds strong second as race remains close
The 13th Congressional District race in the Central Valley remains competitive, with early results showing a clear leader and a strong second-place contender — though margins could still shift.
With 848 of 852 precincts partially reporting as of 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, Democratic Rep. Adam Gray leads with 42.4%. Republican Kevin Lincoln is in solid second place at 28.1%, ahead of Republican Vin Kruttiventi (16.4%) and Democrat Daniel Garibay Rodriguez (13.1%).
Current results:
Bottom line: Gray is on track to advance, with Lincoln in a strong second position — but the race remains close and not yet final.
District 22 results show Valadao leads as Democratic race for second remains unsettled
The 22nd Congressional District in the Central Valley is headed toward another competitive general election, with Republican Rep. David Valadao leading early returns and Democrats battling for the second spot.
With 348 of 429 precincts partially reporting as of 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, Valadao has 44.5% of the vote. Democrat Randy Villegas leads the Democratic field at 29.6%, followed by Jasmeet Bains at 25.9%, leaving the second-place position still competitive.
Current results:
Bottom line: Valadao is on track to advance, while the second spot remains competitive as more ballots are counted.
District 48 results show Desmond leads, von Wilpert likely to advance
The 48th Congressional District in Southern California is shifting toward Democrats under new lines after longtime Republican Rep. Darrell Issa opted to retire rather than run in the more Democratic-leaning seat. Issa has backed San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond as his preferred successor.
With 349 of 411 precincts partially reporting as of 11 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, Desmond leads with 41.2%. Democrat Marni von Wilpert is in second at 20.2% and appears likely to advance to November, while a crowded Democratic field — led by Ammar Campa-Najjar (9.6%) — trails behind.
Current results:
Bottom line: Desmond leads and von Wilpert is in strong position to advance, but the race is not yet final as more ballots are counted.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: New California Prop 50 maps shift House fight as key races emerge
Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
