Key takeaways from the 2026 midterm elections in California

Author: Al Jazeera StaffPublished on: November 4, 2026Country: United States

Politics

Key takeaways from the 2026 midterm elections in California

With votes still being counted in California, Democratic candidates are building substantial leads in several key races that could help the party win control of the US House. In the 22nd Congressional District, progressive educator Randy Villegas leads Republican incumbent David Valadao by about 30 points. In the 48th District near San Diego, Marni von Wilpert is ahead of Republican Jim Desmond by about 20 points. The races follow a redistricting measure approved by voters in 2025 and promoted by Governor Gavin Newsom, which aimed to give Democrats five additional House seats.

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