Asif Mahmood has conceded to incumbent Rep. Young Kim in the race for California’s 40th district.

Kim’s lead over Mahmood, a Democrat from Tustin, increased steadily this week since election night. She had been widely viewed as the favorite to win a second term in the newly drawn district, which stretches from Mission Viejo to Pomona.

“I look forward to continuing to break through the partisan gridlock, bring common sense to Washington and deliver results on behalf of all residents of CA-40, regardless of who you voted for,” Kim said.

In a statement Friday morning, Mahmood said he had called Kim to congratulate her on the race. To his supporters, Mahmood said: “I encourage all of you to continue to organize and find hope in each other as I found in all of you in tough moments during this campaign.”

Kim won her first congressional bid in 2020 in a unique situation: Her district was one of just 13 House seats (out of 435) that voted for a president and a representative from different political parties. Then, she unseated incumbent Gil Cisneros by 1 percentage point.

Kim is ranked by Govtrack.us as one of the most centrist members in the House.

She voted in favor of certifying President Joe Biden’s win in the Electoral College in 2021 – something many other Republican representatives declined to do. She’s been critical of former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric surrounding COVID-19.

But she’s also voted in line with Republicans on issues such as abortion access and gun control. On her campaign website, Kim pointed to border security and protecting law enforcement as two of a bevy of issues she finds important. (Kim declined to participate in the Register’s candidate questionnaire regarding issues.)

Mahmood, a pulmonologist and community volunteer, said in his campaign he is a proponent of public schools and supports legislation making it easier and cheaper for businesses to expand clean energy options. And he pinpointed gun violence as a big concern he heard among constituents in the district.

“Families in CA-40 are concerned about their children, friends and loved ones being safe in schools, places of worship, and even grocery stores,” Mahmood said in response to the Register’s questionnaire. “Too many Americans have lost their lives to gun violence.”

National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Tom Emmer congratulated Kim on her victory, saying: “Young is a selfless leader who serves her constituents with honesty and conviction. I proudly welcome her back to Congress.”

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