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Redrawn California Districts Reshape Primaries as Early Voting Begins

Proposition 50 maps have created head‑to‑head incumbent matchups that have centered campaigns on immigration, tax policy and outside ad spending.

Overview

  • Early voting is underway and the June 2 top‑two primary will send the two highest vote‑getters to the November general election regardless of party.
  • Proposition 50’s mid‑decade redrawing forced incumbents into new contests, including Reps. Ken Calvert and Young Kim running in the 40th and Rep. Linda Sanchez in the 41st.
  • Immigration has become a defining issue: Lisa Ramirez opposes the Dignity Act because it lacks a citizenship path, while Rep. Derek Tran has defended his vote for the Laken Riley Act as holding criminals accountable regardless of status.
  • Fundraising and outside spending are shaping contests, with FEC filings showing roughly $3.1 million for Calvert and $6.1 million for Kim and targeted buys such as a $250,000 ad placement by Americans 4 Security.
  • Local pocketbook concerns and federal funding are also central to voters, as rural 13th District candidates debate taxes, Medi‑Cal and affordability and Rep. Zoe Lofgren highlights $50 million in flood‑protection projects for the South Valley.