Full Breakdown
California Redistricting Forces Intra-Party Republican Showdown
5/9/2026, 3:04:25 AM
Redistricting Forces Same-Seat Republican Contest
In California’s 40th congressional district, two incumbent Republicans—Ken Calvert, a 30-year veteran from Riverside County, and Young Kim, a representative from Orange County—are forced into a primary battle. The top-two primary on June 2, 2026 will decide whether the race ends in a Republican-vs-Democrat runoff or a Republican-vs-Republican runoff.
Background: Democratic Redistricting and Intent
State Democrats’ 2025 redistricting created blue-leaning districts. By merging parts of Calvert’s and Kim’s former districts, the new map placed both incumbents in a single, heavily Republican district, sparking intra-party clash.
Key Contenders
Ken Calvert, 72, chairs House Appropriations Committee. He stresses seniority and a record of delivering resources to California’s 41 military installations. Young Kim, 63, won a 2020 seat and, after distancing from Donald Trump, says she backs him “100%,” noted for fundraising.
Timeline of the Intra-Party Battle
In 2025, redistricting merged Calvert’s and Kim’s districts. Early 2026, Calvert released ads accusing Kim of “dangerous anti-Trump rhetoric” after the White House Correspondents’ dinner assassination attempt. Kim responded with ads proclaiming “Young Kim backs President Trump 100%.” Both filed for the June 2 primary in April.
District Composition and Political Stakes
The 40th District includes two-thirds of Calvert’s former constituency and one-third of Kim’s. Voter registration leans Republican, yet area contains defense workers and suburban voters who have shifted toward Trump-aligned candidates. Control of seat could affect seniority on Appropriations and defense contracts to region.
Official Statements & Responses
Calvert’s campaign asserts his seniority, leadership and record, claiming Trump’s endorsement and accusing Kim of anti-Trump rhetoric that fuels violence. Kim counters by declaring she backs Trump 100%, citing Mar-a-Lago meetings and a resolution condemning violence, while calling Calvert’s attacks desperate.
Criticism & Opposition
Calvert brands Kim a “RINO” and blames her past censure of Trump for unrest. Kim rebuts, calling Calvert’s seniority focus a “desperate” tactic and arguing his 30-year record may no longer resonate. Republican strategist Dave Gilliard says contest could push Kim toward the center if both advance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Kim’s stance: earlier she sponsored a resolution to censure Trump, yet recent ads claim she backs him 100%. No public record confirms a current Trump endorsement, and precise voter-share data for the merged district remain unavailable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Love and war have rules,” — Rep. Darrell Issa, Retiring Representative
- “She’s trying to reinvent herself in the sense of — 100% with President Trump? That’s not true,” — Ken Calvert, Representative
- “I am backing President Trump 100%,” — Young Kim, Representative
- “Nobody has delivered more resources back to the state of California than I have, in either party,” — Ken Calvert, Representative
What's Next
If Republicans finish as the top two, the race will move to a general election where Calvert expects to face a Democrat, ending the contest. If Kim advances instead, primary could produce a Republican-vs-Republican runoff, forcing voters to choose between seniority and a Trump-aligned challenger.
