Solis and Irwin win open House seats in Los Angeles County

Voting concluded at 8 p.m. Tuesday for the general election in Los Angeles County, with several congressional races already called by late evening. Two new members of Congress will represent the county following the election, filling seats that opened due to retirement and redistricting.

Hilda Solis, the Los Angeles County Supervisor, won the 38th Congressional District. She defeated Pedro Antonio Casis, a forensic psychologist. The Associated Press called the race in Solis’ favor shortly before 9 p.m. The district includes Commerce, El Monte, La Habra Heights and Montebello, and extends into Yorba Linda in Orange County. This seat was considered open because Rep. Linda Sánchez moved her race to the 41st District after redistricting.

Jacqui Irwin, a Democratic Assemblymember, won the 26th Congressional District. She defeated Republican Sam Gallucci, a business executive. The Associated Press called the race in her favor shortly after 9 p.m. based on early returns from Los Angeles County. Irwin will replace Rep. Julia Brownley, who is retiring after 14 years in Congress. Brownley had endorsed Irwin. The district currently covers parts of Westlake Village, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, and will expand east to Quartz Hill starting in January.

In other races, several incumbents secured early wins. Rep. George Whitesides won the 27th District, defeating Santa Clarita Councilmember Jason Gibbs. Rep. Judy Chu won the 28th District, defeating Arcadia Mayor April Verlato. Rep. Laura Friedman won the 30th District, defeating Scott Meyers. Rep. Gil Cisneros won the 31st District, defeating former Walnut Mayor Eric Ching. Rep. Brad Sherman won the 32nd District, defeating Larry Thompson. Rep. Norma Torres won the 35th District, defeating Mike Cargile. Rep. Ted Lieu won the 36th District, defeating Houston Brignano. Rep. Linda Sánchez won the 41st District, defeating Mitch Clemmons. Rep. Robert Garcia won the 42nd District, defeating Brian Burley. Rep. Maxine Waters won the 43rd District, defeating Cristian Morales. Rep. Nanette Barragán won the 44th District, defeating Genevieve Angel. Rep. Derek Tran won the 45th District, defeating former Cerritos Mayor Chuong Vo.

Races in the 23rd, 29th, 34th and 37th Districts were not yet called by 11 p.m. In the 34th District, Angela Gonzales-Torres maintained a lead over incumbent Rep. Jimmy Gomez. Gomez faces a House ethics investigation into alleged sexual misconduct, a claim he denies. He stated he made personal mistakes outside his marriage that were consensual and did not violate rules. In the 37th District, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove maintained a lead over Samantha Mota. In the 29th District, Rep. Luz Rivas maintained a lead over Angélica Dueñas. In the 23rd District, Rep. Jay Obernolte remained slightly ahead of Tessa Lynn Hodge.

Local election officials have until December 3 to certify their county results. The California secretary of state must certify all results by December 11. Until then, the results are not official.

The 38th District was a new configuration resulting from the mid-cycle redistricting. The 26th District will also change shape, extending further east into the Antelope Valley. These changes affect the geographic boundaries of the districts for the new congressional session beginning in January.

Election offices will continue tabulating votes in the coming days. The Associated Press made its calls based on partial returns from the California secretary of state’s office shortly after voting ended.