California voters will set matchups for key US House races on Super Tuesday

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California voters will set matchups for some of the country’s most competitive U.S. House races, which could help determine which party controls the chamber next year.

All of California’s 52 congressional seats have primary elections Tuesday, with the top two vote-getters in each race advancing 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.

What to know about Super Tuesday and why it matters

• Super Tuesday is traditionally the biggest day nationwide for primary elections and caucuses before the actual Election Day in November.
• Voters in 16 different states and one territory will decide who they want to run for president.
• More than one-third of the total delegates available in both the Republican and Democratic primaries will be awarded.
• The highest-profile state race in California is the one to succeed the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died last fall.

The Associated Press is the most trusted source of information on election night. See live results for elections across the U.S. here.

Despite California’s liberal reputation, conservatives still have strength in the Southern California suburbs and the Central Valley farm belt.

Among Democrats, several of the primaries have turned particularly nasty as multiple candidates vie for a spot on the November ballot.

Currently there are 219 Republicans in the House, 213 Democrats and three vacancies.

Here’s a look at the most competitive races in California:

22ND DISTRICT: POLITICAL INFIGHTING LEADS TO LOCKOUT FEARS

On paper, a Democrat should represent this Central Valley farm district. The party holds a 16-point advantage over Republicans