Full Breakdown
California Redistricting Pits Two Republican Incumbents Against Each Other
5/9/2026, 7:16:24 AM
Redistricting Sparks Intra-Party Showdown
Democratic legislators in California redrew the state’s congressional map last year, merging portions of Rep. Ken Calvert’s Riverside-based district with Rep. Young Kim’s Orange County district into a new, heavily Republican 40th District. The change forces the two long-time GOP members into the same June 2 top-two primary, turning a routine election into a direct contest for survival.
Redistricting Background & Context
The redistricting effort aimed to create more blue-leaning districts in Southern California, carving up previously safe Republican seats. By combining the two incumbents’ territories, the map placed a narrow majority of the new district’s residents (just over half) from Calvert’s former district and roughly one-third from Kim’s, reshaping the electoral calculus for both.
Profiles of the Contenders
- Ken Calvert (R-CA) – Age 72, a 30-year House veteran, member of the House Appropriations Committee and chair of the defense-budget subcommittee. He championed the E-Verify immigration system and emphasizes seniority as a source of federal resources for a district that contains many defense contractors and, statewide, about 41 military installations.
- Young Kim (R-CA) – Age 63, former congressional aide and state legislator who won her seat in 2020 after an earlier loss in 2018. Historically critical of former President Donald Trump—sponsoring a resolution to censure him after Jan. 6—she now declares “100 %” support for Trump, citing recent meetings at Mar-a-Lago and a focus on border security and the economy.
District Composition & Electoral Data
Data compiled by The Downballot show the new 40th District draws roughly 51 % of its population from Calvert’s old district and 33 % from Kim’s. The district’s economy is tied to defense spending, and California’s top-two primary system means the race could end with two Republicans or a Republican versus a Democrat in the November general election.
Official Statements & Responses
Calvert’s campaign argues his seniority “delivers more resources back to the state of California than any other member, in either party,” and accuses Kim of “dangerously anti-Trump rhetoric” that fuels political violence. Kim counters that she now “backs President Trump 100 %,” highlighting a recent trip to Mar-a-Lago and a resolution to condemn political violence, while labeling Calvert’s attacks as “desperate” and “absurd.”
Criticism & Opposition
Kim describes Calvert’s claims as “dangerously desperate” and points out that many Trump-aligned Republicans have also criticized the president’s rhetoric. Democratic strategist Dave Gilliard notes Kim’s “biggest vulnerability” is her past anti-Trump record, suggesting she may shift toward the center if both advance to the general election.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Kim’s stance: earlier coverage documents her sponsorship of a censure resolution and criticism of family-separation policies, yet her current campaign ads proclaim full Trump support. Calvert’s assertion that Kim’s past criticism contributed to “the heated environment and violence we’ve seen” is unverified beyond campaign rhetoric, leaving a gap in independent corroboration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Love and war have rules,” — Darrell Issa, retiring Republican Representative.
- “She’s trying to reinvent herself in the sense of — 100% with President Trump? That’s not true,” — Ken Calvert.
- “Trump-hating politicians like Young Kim think their inflammatory language doesn’t matter but it’s led to the heated environment and violence we’ve seen,” — Ken Calvert.
- “I am backing President Trump 100%,” — Young Kim.
- “Nobody has delivered more resources back to the state of California than I have, in either party,” — Ken Calvert.
- “I maxed out to her election, gave her $10,000,” — Ken Calvert.
What’s Next
The June 2 primary will determine which two candidates advance under California’s top-two system. Analysts suggest Calvert’s optimal outcome is a runoff against a Democrat, while Kim could benefit from a broader electorate if both Republicans move forward. The race remains fluid, with campaign financing and voter realignment likely to shape the November contest.
