LOS ANGELES — U.S. Rep. Young Kim beat back a last-minute challenge from a fellow Republican and will face off with Democrat Asif Mahmood in the fall election for the seat centered in inland Orange County.
Kim, a well-funded incumbent, appeared to be on a glide path to winning a top-two spot in the primary and moving onto the general election in November to represent California's 40th Congressional District. But in the final weeks before the primary, Mission Viejo City Councilman Greg Raths appeared to be gaining momentum among conservatives.
The postcensus redrawing of congressional districts meant Kim was facing many voters she had not represented previously. After the redistricting process set off a shuffle of incumbents, Kim, 59, chose to run in the new 40th District. Her La Habra home is just outside the boundaries. (Members of Congress are not required to live in their districts.)
