Dueling campaigns launched in new California District 40 after Prop 50 passes
Intentions to run for office in California's newly-adjusted districts have already been announced less than 24 hours after Prop 50 was passed by voters.
The Congressional redistricting measure passed overwhelmingly, with 64% of Californians voting in favor.
On Wednesday, a group of Republican lawmakers and more than a dozen voters filed a federal lawsuit challenging the proposition, saying it's unconstitutional and favors Latino voters.
Now, two Republican members of Congress -- Young Kim and Ken Calvert -- are launching campaigns in the new districts -- races that will be on the ballot for the 2026 midterms.
Republican Ken Calvert, whose current district moved counties when the new maps were approved, currently represents 51% of the new California District 40, which spans Riverside and Orange counties.
Republican Young Kim currently represents 35% of the new California District 40.
Now, Kim and Calvert announced they're running against each other.
"When we're thinking about, 'Oh, this was a safe district. This was a swing district.' I think we have to throw much of that out the window and look at a completely different view now. We have places where we're going to see matchups that we've never seen before," said Jessica Levinson, a Loyola Law School professor.
In a statement, Calvert said in part, "No one else comes close to my record of service to the new 40th. I've lived here my entire life and already represent the majority of this district in Congress."
Kim said in part, "I'm running because California needs proven fighters who will stand with President Trump to advance a bold America First agenda that restores law and order in our communities, strengthens our national security, and protects the American Dream for future generations."
Also announced just hours after the mid-decade redistricting effort passed, a lawsuit was filed by California Republicans, saying the new maps are unconstitutional.
"The map is designed to favor one race of California voters over others," Mike Columbo with the Dhillon Law Group said at a press conference.
After declaring victory on Tuesday night, Gov. Gavin Newsom prepared Democrats for a long fight ahead with the Trump administration, calling Trump the most unpopular president in American history.
"Tonight, I'm proud, but I'm very mindful and sober of the moment we are living in. Donald Trump does not believe in fair and free elections," Newsom said.
Newsom's office said in a post on social media that the state hasn't reviewed the lawsuit but is confident the challenge will fail.
"We haven't reviewed the lawsuit, but if it's from the California Republican Party and Harmeet Dhillon's law firm, it's going to fail. Good luck, losers," the post reads.
