Democrats Lead Key California Congressional Races

Democratic candidates hold early leads in two key California congressional contests following Election Day. In the 24th Congressional District, Salud Carbajal holds 67 percent of the vote as of 9 p.m., leading his challenger, retired Navy commander Bob Smith. Carbajal, the incumbent representing the Central Coast, stated he was "deeply honored to have earned the trust and support of the Central Coast."

In the 38th Congressional District, Democratic candidate Hilda Solis has established an early lead over Republican challenger Pedro Antonio Casas. Preliminary returns from the California secretary of state’s office indicate Solis is leading the race for the seat, which covers parts of Los Angeles and Orange counties. The seat became open after former Representative Linda Sánchez opted to run for reelection in a different area following redistricting.

Solis, the current chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, previously served as U.S. Secretary of Labor and in the U.S. House. Her opponent, Casas, is a U.S. Army veteran and forensic psychologist who previously ran for the 31st Congressional District in 2024.