California Democrats' redistricting efforts have forced two Republican House members into an unexpected primary battle, with Reps. Ken Calvert and Young Kim now competing for the same seat ahead of June's elections. The state's Democratic-led redistricting process carved up Republican-held territory in Southern California to create more Democratic-leaning districts, placing both incumbents in the newly configured 40th District.
The two lawmakers have launched sharp attacks against each other as they fight for political survival. Calvert, a 30-year veteran of Congress and chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, has portrayed Kim as insufficiently conservative on immigration and accused her of hypocrisy for her past criticism of President Donald Trump. Kim, in turn, has characterized Calvert as a creature of Washington who has had three decades to deliver results without fixing the district's problems.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have expressed frustration with what they characterize as Democratic gerrymandering that undermines voter choice. The National Republican Congressional Committee has declined to intervene in the race between two sitting Republicans, leaving each campaign to fund its own path forward.
Calvert has emphasized his longevity and committee assignments as assets for constituents. "Nobody has delivered more resources back to the state of California than I have, in either party," Calvert said in an interview, pointing to his role overseeing defense appropriations in a district with significant military installations. He has also criticized Kim for supporting a bipartisan immigration compromise bill that included pathways to legal status for some undocumented immigrants.
Kim has countered by arguing that experience alone is insufficient justification for reelection. "This race is ultimately going to come down to how long someone needs to be in office to fix things," she said. "Is 30 years in office enough time to get things done? If not, how many more decades does Congressman Calvert need to get things done?" Kim has also pivoted sharply toward Trump support, running advertisements declaring "Young Kim backs President Trump 100%" and portraying herself as the "trusted Trump conservative."
What the Left Is Saying
California Democrats who drew the new maps have framed their redistricting effort as an attempt to increase Democratic representation in Congress. State party officials argued that consolidating Republican voters into fewer districts would weaken GOP electoral prospects statewide while creating opportunities for Democratic candidates in other seats. The strategy placed two well-funded Republicans against each other, potentially wasting GOP resources in a primary battle that could leave the eventual nominee weakened heading into the general election.
Democratic strategists have noted that California's top-two primary system adds another layer of complexity to the race. Under this system, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party affiliation, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election. This means Calvert and Kim could both survive the June primary, setting up a Republican-on-Republican fall matchup.
What the Numbers Show
According to data compiled by The Downballot, a narrow majority of residents in the new 40th District come from Calvert's current district, while approximately one-third hail from Kim's territory. Both lawmakers represent regions that voted for Trump in 2024.
Calvert has represented portions of Riverside County for three decades and currently chairs the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, giving him significant influence over military spending decisions. California hosts roughly 41 military installations, more than any other state.
Kim won her seat in 2020 even as Biden carried the district by 10 points, demonstrating crossover appeal in a historically Democratic-leaning territory. She raised substantial campaign funds and has deployed those resources into television advertising attacking Calvert's Washington tenure.
The Bottom Line
The June primary will determine whether one or both Republicans survive to compete in November. If both advance under California's top-two system, the general election could feature two Republicans battling for a seat that Democrats view as increasingly winnable. Republican strategist Dave Gilliard told NBC News that Calvert's optimal path is to reach a runoff with a Democrat, while Kim may need to shift toward the political center if she faces a broader electorate in November.
Both campaigns are prepared for an expensive and contentious final stretch before the primary deadline.
Calvert noted he previously donated $10,000 to Kim's campaign before redistricting made them rivals. "I asked for the money back, but she wouldn't give it to me," Calvert said.