Full Breakdown
Redistricting Merges Huntington Beach with Long Beach, Bringing Progressive Rep
5/30/2026, 1:02:46 AM
New Map Combines Huntington Beach and Long Beach
California’s redistricting commission approved a new congressional map combining Huntington Beach with Long Beach. The change follows a Texas-led push for partisan maps and a California plan targeting five Republican seats. The merged district will be contested in a June 2, 2026 primary and a November 2026 general election, likely replacing moderate Democrat Rep. Dave Min with Rep. Robert Garcia, a 48-year-old gay, Peruvian-born progressive who chairs the House Oversight Committee. Garcia won his 2024 re-election by 36 points. Huntington Beach’s council holds a 7-0 MAGA majority and banned the Pride flag after a 2024 referendum; Long Beach has about 450,000 residents. Both cite offshore oil drilling as a shared concern.
Key Figures
Key figures include Rep. Robert Garcia; Huntington Beach Councilman Pat Burns, a vocal critic; Planning Commission member Dominc McGee, a conservative activist; MAGA supporter Janet Jacobs; and Mayor Casey McKeon, who notes past cooperation with Rep. Michelle Steel on issues.
Official Positions
California officials say the map reflects demographic shifts and aims for competitive elections, emphasizing its nonpartisan design. Garcia’s campaign stresses partnership with local officials and highlights offshore drilling as a priority. Mayor McKeon recalled that Rep. Michelle Steel worked with a liberal council on beach-sand projects, showing cross-party representation.
Opposition Viewpoints
Opponents say the map consolidates Democratic power and ignores preferences. McGee warned that Democrats “want to rule by fiat,” while Jacobs praised President Trump, saying “God is on his side.” Burns dismissed redistricting as “California ugly-ass politics” that “don’t care about the people of California.”
Implications
The shift from a moderate to a progressive representative could reshape the district’s positions on immigration, climate policy, healthcare, and offshore oil drilling. It also illustrates the national contest over map drawing, with consequences for control of U.S. House.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's just California ugly-ass politics, and they are all about their agenda and not about the people. They don't care about the people of California one bit.” — Pat Burns, councilman
- “I've represented people I don't agree with on everything, my entire time as mayor, and currently as a member of Congress,” — Robert Garcia, Representative
- “The Democrats now with redistricting are set to take even more power in California,” — Dominc McGee, Commission member
- “Trump is doing a hell of a job, and God is on his side,” — Janet Jacobs, MAGA supporter
Upcoming Election
Garcia’s campaign will focus on June 2, 2026 primary, emphasizing offshore drilling and cooperation. If elected, he is expected to pursue progressive policies while navigating the city’s conservative council, potentially reshaping Southern California’s coastal political landscape.
