Democrat defeats Republican Rep. Garcia in key California House race
Democrat George Whitesides is projected to defeat two-term Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.), according to Decision Desk HQ.
Whitesides, the former Virgin Galactic CEO who also served as NASA chief of staff during the Obama administration, won California’s 27th Congressional District, a northern Los Angeles-area House seat.
Garcia’s defeat is notable because California’s 27th District was seen as a key pickup opportunity for Democrats. President Biden defeated former President Trump there by 12 points in 2020.
However, Republicans are projected to keep control of the House of Representatives, handing the party total control of Washington.
Democrats are trailing at 210 seats. A total of six races remain uncalled, contests that will determine how large the GOP’s majority is — which could have significant implications for high-stakes votes throughout the 119th Congress.
California — along with New York — shaped up as the two battlegrounds key to determining control of the House.