Calvert advances in California 40th Congressional District primary
9 reported2 unconfirmed
CBS News projects that Republican Rep. Ken Calvert has advanced to the November general election for California’s 40th Congressional District. The race follows a new district map that combined parts of the current districts of Calvert and incumbent Rep. Young Kim after California voters passed a measure in 2025. The measure, backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats, was intended to shift five districts to be more favorable to Democrats in the midterm elections. Under California’s top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes advance regardless of party affiliation, and the second spot remains undetermined as of Wednesday morning. Calvert, a Corona native who has served in Congress since 1992, announced his campaign shortly after the redistricting. Kim, who was elected to the 40th District in 2023, launched her reelection campaign hours after Calvert’s announcement. The new district spans parts of Orange County and the Inland Empire, splitting Corona in half.
What’s reported
CBS News projects Republican Rep. Ken Calvert has advanced to the November election for California’s 40th Congressional District.
Calvert currently represents California’s 41st Congressional District and announced his campaign after redistricting.
The new district map combined parts of Calvert’s and incumbent Rep. Young Kim’s current districts after a 2025 voter-approved measure.
The measure was backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative Democrats to shift five districts to be more favorable to Democrats.
Under California’s top-two primary system, the two candidates with the most votes advance regardless of party.
The second spot in the primary is still undetermined as of Wednesday morning.
Calvert has been in Congress for more than 30 years, first elected in 1992.
Kim was elected to the 40th District in 2023 and is one of the first Korean American women in Congress.
Other candidates include Democrats Joseph Kerr, Esther Kim Varet, Lisa Ramirez, Claude Keissieh, and no-party-preference candidate Nina Linh.
Open questions
Which candidate will secure the second spot in the primary to advance to the general election.
Whether the redistricting measure will achieve its intended effect of shifting five districts to be more favorable to Democrats.
Key figures
Rep. Ken Calvert (Republican, California)
Rep. Young Kim (Republican, California)
Gov. Gavin Newsom (California)
Joseph Kerr (Democratic candidate)
Esther Kim Varet (Democratic candidate)
Lisa Ramirez (Democratic candidate)
Claude Keissieh (Democratic candidate)
Nina Linh (no-party-preference candidate)
Sources: CBS News
