From the farming communities of the Central Valley to the beaches of Orange County, California is home to a number of competitive House races whose outcomes could determine which party controls the chamber.
Despite its deep blue leanings, the Golden State has emerged as a House battleground where politicians from both parties are hitting familiar themes. Democrats say Republicans in California will walk in lockstep with Donald Trump and conservatives in Congress to further restrict abortion and contribute to general dysfunction in Washington, while the GOP is hitting Democrats on fears of rising crime, economic unease and border policies.
Also worth watching are primaries for seven open seats; five are rated Solid Democratic, one is rated Safe Republican and one is a Toss-up, according to Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales. Several of these contests have drawn an abundance of candidates who view a run for a vacant seat in a politically safe district as the first step in what could potentially be a long career in Congress.
