Ken Calvert and Young Kim advance in race for California’s 40th Congressional District, CBS News projects
Ken Calvert and Young Kim Advance in California's 40th Congressional District Primary
Ken Calvert and Young Kim advance - CBS News projects that Republican candidates Ken Calvert and Young Kim will face off in the November general election for California’s 40th Congressional District. The two emerged victorious in the primary race, with Calvert, currently representing California’s 41st District, and Kim, who was elected to the 40th District in 2023, securing the top two spots. This outcome marks a pivotal moment in the political landscape of Southern California, where the redrawn district has intensified competition for the GOP nomination. Calvert’s campaign, which began shortly after California voters approved Proposition 50, reflects the strategic realignment of districts designed to benefit Democratic candidates in the midterms.
The 40th Congressional District, shaped by the redistricting plan, now encompasses parts of Orange County and the Inland Empire, including the city of Corona. This geographic shift has created a unique electoral dynamic, blending urban and suburban areas with strong Republican and Democratic voter bases. The top-two primary system, which allows the two candidates with the highest vote totals to proceed regardless of party, has amplified the stakes for both Calvert and Kim. Their paths to the general election were solidified after a week-long contest, during which Kim maintained her lead, signaling a strong campaign for the district’s Republican seat.
Redistricting and Political Strategy
The redrawing of California’s 40th District was a deliberate move to create a competitive battleground for Democrats, as part of broader efforts to reshape congressional boundaries. This change, approved by voters in Proposition 50, has drawn attention for its potential to dilute Republican influence while strengthening Democratic prospects. The district’s new configuration includes regions that were previously part of Calvert’s 41st District, giving him a distinct advantage in terms of name recognition and local ties. Meanwhile, Young Kim’s re-election bid has been bolstered by her established base of support and campaign momentum.
Political analysts note that the redistricting has created a microcosm of the national midterm trends, where Democrats seek to gain ground in traditionally Republican-leaning areas. Calvert, a veteran legislator with over three decades of service, has positioned himself as a reliable voice for conservative policies, while Kim, known for her advocacy on immigration and fiscal responsibility, has appealed to both moderate and hardline Republican voters. The race has also highlighted the importance of local issues, such as infrastructure development and education funding, in shaping voter priorities in this closely contested district.
Key Issues and Campaign Highlights
As the primary race concluded, both Calvert and Kim focused on key issues that resonate with the district’s voters. Immigration policy has been a central theme, with each candidate emphasizing their alignment with former President Trump’s agenda. Calvert supported Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill," which allocated nearly $47 million for the U.S.-Mexico border wall, while Kim has championed stricter border control measures. Additionally, the candidates have highlighted their plans to address economic growth, healthcare access, and the impact of climate change on local communities.
Young Kim’s campaign has drawn particular attention for its emphasis on representation, as she is among the first Korean American women to hold a congressional seat. Her experience as a state Assembly member has provided her with a platform to connect with voters on policy issues, while Calvert’s long-standing role as a Republican representative has given him a consistent presence in regional politics. The final weeks of the race saw increased fundraising and grassroots mobilization, with both campaigns targeting key demographics to solidify their positions in the general election.
Other contenders in the primary race included Joseph Kerr, a retired firefighter and Democrat who previously challenged Kim in 2024, and Esther Kim Varet, a gallery owner with a focus on community engagement. Lisa Ramirez, an immigration attorney, and Claude Keissieh, a former corrections official turned Caltrans employee, also vied for the Republican nomination. Nonprofit director Nina Linh, running as a no-party-preference candidate, added another layer of competition to the race. While these candidates did not advance, their presence underscored the diversity of perspectives within the district’s electorate.
“The 40th District’s redistricting has created a high-stakes race that reflects the broader political realignment in California,” said political strategist Maria Lopez. “Ken Calvert and Young Kim’s victory ensures that the GOP will have a strong voice in this key region, even as Democrats push to expand their influence.”
The projected general election will be a test of both candidates’ ability to navigate the district’s shifting political landscape. With a voter base that includes working-class families, small businesses, and suburban communities, the race will likely hinge on how effectively each candidate can address local concerns while maintaining a national platform. As the campaign moves into the final stretch, the focus remains on key endorsements, debate performances, and the district’s evolving political priorities. The outcome of this race is expected to have significant implications for the future of congressional representation in Southern California.