Current:Home > NewsRepublican Scott Baugh concedes to Democrat Dave Min in critical California House race-InfoLens
Republican Scott Baugh concedes to Democrat Dave Min in critical California House race
View Date:2024-12-23 16:25:36
Follow AP’s coverage of the election and what happens next.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Republican Scott Baugh has conceded in his race against Democrat Dave Min in a Southern California U.S. House district, ending his bid to seize the seat being vacated by Democratic Rep. Katie Porter.
The Associated Press has not yet declared a winner because thousands of ballots have not yet been counted.
In a post on the social media platform X Tuesday night, Baugh said “despite running a strong campaign … that effort is going to come up a little short.”
The 47th District in Orange County, southeast of Los Angeles, was a top target for national Republicans looking to protect and possibly expand the party’s narrow majority in the chamber.
On Tuesday, Republican Rep. David Valadao’s victory in California’s 22nd District moved Republicans within two wins of retaining the House gavel, with the tally 216-207 in favor of the GOP, as counting continued in a sliver of races across the country.
Several races remained in play in California that could determine which party controls the House next year.
Min, also posting on X, said that in Congress he will “fight to protect our democracy, safeguard our freedoms and expand economic opportunity.”
California is known as a liberal protectorate — Democrats hold every statewide office, dominate the Legislature and congressional delegation and outnumber registered Republicans by a staggering 2-1 ratio. Still, Republicans retain pockets of political clout in the Southern California suburbs and vast rural stretches, including the Central Valley.
Orange County was once considered conservative holy ground, where white, suburban homeowners delivered winning margins for Republicans year after year. It was a foundational block in the Reagan revolution. But the county has become more demographically diverse and Democratic over time, like much of the state.
The 47th District, which includes Huntington Beach and other famous surf breaks, has been occupied by Porter, a progressive favorite who in 2022 narrowly defeated Baugh, a former Republican legislator. Porter, known for grilling CEOs during Capitol Hill hearings, stepped aside to run for U.S. Senate, but lost in the primary.
Given the stakes in the closely divided district, the contest was especially rancorous. Min ads called Baugh a “MAGA extremist” who would endanger abortion rights. Baugh said Min’s “extreme liberal views” were out of step with the district.
veryGood! (41)
Related
- Surfer Bethany Hamilton Makes Masked Singer Debut After 3-Year-Old Nephew’s Tragic Death
- Tell Me Lies’ Grace Van Patten Shares Rare Insight Into Romance With Costar Jackson White
- Child trapped between boulders for 9 hours rescued by firefighters in New Hampshire
- Why did the Falcons draft Michael Penix Jr.? Looking back at bizarre 2024 NFL draft pick
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Good Try (Freestyle)
- Target brings back popular car seat-trade in program: How you can get the discount
- Louisville interim police chief will lead department in permanent role
- Louisville interim police chief will lead department in permanent role
- Disney x Lululemon Limited-Edition Collection: Shop Before It Sells Out
- Why Kourtney Kardashian Has No Cutoff Age for Co-Sleeping With Her Kids
Ranking
- Get $103 Worth of Tatcha Skincare for $43.98 + 70% Off Flash Deals on Elemis, Josie Maran & More
- After a mission of firsts, SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew returns safely to Earth
- 32 things we learned in NFL Week 2: Saints among biggest early-season surprises
- Tropical storm warning issued for Carolinas as potential cyclone swirls off the coast
- After Baltimore mass shooting, neighborhood goes full year with no homicides
- Polaris Dawn mission comes to end with SpaceX Dragon landing off Florida coast
- Lutherans in Walz’s Minnesota put potlucks before politics during divisive election season
- 2024 Emmys: Pommel Horse Star Stephen Nedoroscik Keeps Viral Olympics Tradition Alive Before Presenting
Recommendation
-
Burger King is giving away a million Whoppers for $1: Here's how to get one
-
Target brings back popular car seat-trade in program: How you can get the discount
-
Emmys 2024: Sarah Paulson Called Holland Taylor Her “Absolute Rock” and We’re Not OK
-
Lutherans in Walz’s Minnesota put potlucks before politics during divisive election season
-
'SNL' stars jokingly declare support for Trump, Dana Carvey plays Elon Musk
-
NFL Week 2 winners, losers: Bears have a protection problem with Caleb Williams
-
Control of the Murdoch media empire could be at stake in a closed-door hearing in Nevada
-
A Kentucky lawmaker has been critically injured in lawn mower accident