House Democrats Monitor California Congressional Primaries

<p>House Democrats are observing the primaries in California scheduled for June 2 as a significant indicator of anti-incumbency sentiment among voters. This election marks the first time in the 2026 cycle that several House Democrats in their 70s and 80s will compete against younger challengers.</p><p><strong>Key Points: </strong>California Democratic Representatives Mike Thompson, Doris Matsui, and Brad Sherman, all aged 70 or older, are facing competitive primary challenges from younger Democratic candidates. Their colleagues are paying close attention to these races, as well as the Los Angeles mayoral race and the gubernatorial election in California.</p><p>The primaries will utilize a jungle primary system, where all candidates compete in a single contest, and the top two vote-getters advance to the November runoff, regardless of party affiliation. In many heavily Democratic districts, incumbents are more likely to face another Democrat in the general election.</p><p>This year, a notable number of incumbents are facing well-funded challengers who criticize their long tenures and advocate for a new generation of Democratic leadership.</p><p><strong>Highlighted Races: </strong></p><p><strong>California's 4th District: </strong>Rep. Mike Thompson, a 75-year-old member of the Blue Dog Coalition who has served since 1998, is challenged by 35-year-old venture capitalist Eric Jones. Both candidates have raised significant funds, with Thompson reporting just under $3 million and Jones over $3.2 million, including a personal loan of $364,000. Jones's campaign emphasizes anti-incumbency themes, while Thompson highlights his anti-Trump stance and critiques Jones's corporate ties.</p><p><strong>California's 7th District: </strong>Rep. Doris Matsui, 81, faces a challenge from 41-year-old progressive Mai Vang, a former Sacramento City Council member endorsed by the Sacramento Bee. Matsui's campaign has attracted attention for a strategy involving a red box on her website, which some progressives view as an attempt to influence the primary outcome. An outside group, Inclusion PAC, has filed with the FEC to spend over $100,000 on ads supporting GOP candidate Zachariah Wooden.</p><p><strong>California's 32nd District: </strong>Rep. Brad Sherman, 71, who has been in office since 1997, is being challenged by 42-year-old Jake Levine, a former Biden administration official. Levine's campaign has focused on Sherman's lengthy tenure, while Sherman has concentrated on portraying himself as a dedicated representative for his district.</p><p>Additionally, several incumbents below retirement age are encountering credible progressive challengers, including Reps. Ami Bera and Jimmy Gomez. There are also several contested open primaries, including the race to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the 11th District.</p>