Now that Prop 50 has passed and CA-40 sheds some of its bluer districts, both Republicans Rep. Young Kim and Rep. Ken Calvert have announced they will fight it out for the seat. Calvert has a larger share of GOP voters than Kim does, by a nearly 2 to 1 margin, but it’s anyone’s guess who emerges. Calvert’s post on his decision was all about President Trump and Kim announced a multi-million media buy to retain the seat.
Where does this lead for Democrats?
Tuesday election results are already revealing cracks in the America First movement and the real pain caused by Trump administration policies will hit those voters in CA-40 who rely on ACA, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Plus, those working families are paying more for basics because of Tariffs. These seat is very flippable.
With that said, Joe Kerr has announced he’s staying in the race. We are awaiting word from the other candidates who announced (just email me please).
JOE KERR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CA-40
Addresses Prop 50 redistricting, ongoing federal shutdown, and the urgent challenges facing CA-40 families
COTO DE CAZA, CA — “Since Prop 50 passed, CA-40 is now home to two entrenched MAGA incumbents — Ken Calvert and Young Kim — who have spent years in Washington defending their party’s dysfunction. Now they must battle for political survival instead of addressing the real needs of the people they represent. This is now the only race in America where voters can remove two MAGA incumbents at once, and we intend to meet that moment.
We are in the longest government shutdown in American history. Families in our district continue to struggle with rising costs and shrinking opportunities. Prices for housing, groceries, gas, and healthcare remain at historic highs with no relief in sight. Yet Calvert and Kim have offered no plan to ease the economic pressure families are facing, all while collecting their taxpayer-funded paychecks.
Voters in CA-40 deserve a representative who understands public safety, family budgets, wildfire risk, water policy, and the daily pressures facing working people — and that’s why I’m running. I am the only Democratic candidate who has lived and worked in this district for decades, serving this region as a firefighter and as a labor leader, representing more than 270,000 workers across a wide range of industries. I have negotiated fair wages, expanded healthcare access, protected essential public safety resources, and fought for the pay, benefits, and rights that allow families to thrive.
I enter the new CA-40 with the strongest labor coalition in the field. I’ve earned the trust and support of tens of thousands of working families who know my record because I’ve delivered for them for more than thirty years. These organizations don’t just endorse — they mobilize. They bring unmatched volunteer power and deep community reach across Orange and Riverside counties at a level no first-time candidate can replicate.
My campaign is also powered by one of the largest grassroots volunteer networks in the district — people who’ve stepped up because they know my public safety background and results-driven leadership are exactly what this moment demands. My support has always been built in the workplaces, neighborhoods, and community networks that decide elections.
This moment calls for realism, discipline, and a nominee who can win this seat in November. As the only candidate in this race who has balanced budgets, passed legislation, and protected funding for our local communities, I am the experienced, trusted, and battle-tested leader with a proven pathway to victory.
I remain fully committed to this race and to delivering the accountable, service-driven leadership our community deserves.”
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The big question now is will Perry Meade stay in the race? Sources tell TheLiberalOC that Meade would drop out if Prop 50 passed and he would endorse Kerr. We’ve reached out yo his campaign for confirmation.
So for the other Dems in the hunt, are you in or out? Email me.
Good. He is the best candidate to represent the demographics of the newly redrawn district.