Republican Representatives Ken Calvert and Young Kim are set to compete in a runoff election for California’s 40th congressional district following the primary election. As of Wednesday afternoon, Calvert has secured 36.2% of the vote, while Kim has 21.6%. Democrat Esther Kim-Varet is in third place with 15.5%.
In California, all candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation, with the top two advancing to the general election. The district, which includes parts of Orange and Riverside counties, was redrawn by Democrats to force one of the Republican candidates out of Congress.
Both candidates have invested significant resources in their campaigns, with Kim raising nearly $8 million compared to Calvert’s $5.2 million. A super PAC, Americans 4 Security, has spent approximately $3 million on attack ads against Kim. Calvert has criticized Kim for her loyalty to former President Donald Trump, while Kim has targeted Calvert's past scandals in her advertising.
Calvert expressed confidence in his primary victory, stating that voters want a consistent conservative aligned with Trump.