California’s closely watched House primaries offer preview of battle to control Congress

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Voters settled House primaries across California this week, with all eyes on a handful of swing districts whose November matchups will help determine which party controls Congress for the next two years.

All of California’s 52 congressional seats had primary elections Tuesday. The top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the general election regardless of their political party. About 10 of those seats figure to be competitive, and a handful are considered toss-ups.

These races will be some of the most competitive in the country this fall, and the outcomes will help determine which political party controls Congress. Right now Republicans have 219 seats in the House of Representatives, while Democrats have 213. There are three vacancies.

“Californians are used to our state being a national leader, and our role in the 2024 elections is no different,” said California U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic Caucus. “I’m going to do everything in my power to ensure that we’re successful this November.”

California Republican Party chair Jessica Millan Patterson said voters are “fed up.”

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