All eyes are on California as there are still multiple congressional races yet to be called that will play a hand in determining which party controls the U.S. House next year.

In Orange County, two Democratic incumbents are locked in tight battles with Republican challengers for their seats.

In California’s 47th district, Rep. Katie Porter has maintained a slight lead over former Republican Assemblymember Scott Baugh, as of the latest vote counts Monday evening. She has consistently led Baugh over the past week as more votes are counted, albeit the separation between the two candidates has lessened. The margin was less than 3,000 votes Monday night.

Election Results

The coastal CA-47, which tilts slightly in favor of Democrats, includes Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and part of Huntington Beach while also covering Irvine.

Porter is a former UC Irvine law professor who has become a leading Democratic voice in the House since she was first elected in 2018. Last week, her campaign noted her 2018 race was not called for several days, adding “it’s essential that every vote be counted.”

“We’re proud of the race we ran and the work we did,” spokesperson Lindsay Reilly said then. The campaign did not have further comment Monday evening, Reilly said.

Baugh is a longtime political insider who has led the Orange County GOP and has been a key fundraiser for Republican politicians. On election night, Baugh predicted results may not be concrete for several days.

“Pre-election day votes tend to favor Democrats and Election Day votes tend to favor Republicans. I’m hopeful the remaining Election Day votes continue to favor Republicans,” Baugh said in a statement Monday night.

Meanwhile, in California’s 49th district, incumbent Democratic Rep. Mike Levin continued to hold his lead over Republican businessman Brian Maryott. He led by about 12,800 votes on Monday.

The district covers parts of Orange and San Diego counties, including Laguna Niguel, Dana Point and San Clemente before sweeping south to pick up Oceanside, Vista, Encinitas and Del Mar.

An attorney, Levin serves as the vice chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and has been largely focused on environmental issues.

“We are extraordinarily pleased with the results. Our lead has continued to grow and will continue to expand as the final remaining ballots are tabulated,” Eric Mee, a spokesperson for Levin, said in a text Monday evening.

Maryott is a certified financial planner and a former San Juan Capistrano councilmember and mayor. A campaign spokeswoman was not immediately available for a comment Monday evening.

While the fate of the House remains uncertain, Democrats were able to maintain control of the U.S. Senate over the weekend with Sen. Catherine Cortez Mastro’s reelection in Nevada.

Should Democrats also keep the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who decidedly won her reelection bid for California’s 11th district, said over the weekend that congressional members have urged her to keep her leadership post. And according to Politico, President Joe Biden recently told Pelosi: “I hope you stick.”

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