Excerpt:

In 2020, California Democrats lost four of the seven competitive congressional seats they had just gained amid a “blue wave” two years earlier. In 2022, Republicans gained one more seat in California and took control of the U.S. House.

This election, it is Republicans who must play defense.

From the Central Valley to southern California, Democrats are fighting to flip five GOP-held seats in the state’s most competitive contests. They are also aiming to keep a competitive seat now held by Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, who has narrowly won the district for three terms and is not seeking re-election this year.

GOP Rep. Ken Calvert was declared the victor in his race Wednesday, following Rep. David Valadao, who was declared the winner Tuesday evening in his race. But fellow Republican Scott Baugh conceded Tuesday night and Republican Rep. Mike Garcia conceded Monday night. Republicans are leading in the two other races. (The nonpartisan California Voter Foundation is tracking day-to-day changes in the vote counts in these and other races.) (Full Story)