Democrat George Whitesides is projected to defeat two-term Republican Rep. Mike Garcia in California’s 27th Congressional District, a significant race given the district’s status as a key battleground.
Whitesides, the former CEO of Virgin Galactic and ex-NASA chief of staff during the Obama administration, has won this northern Los Angeles-area House seat, which had previously been seen as a potential pickup for Democrats.
In 2020, President Biden defeated former President Trump by 12 points in this district, underscoring its competitive nature.
While this victory for Whitesides represents a setback for Garcia, Republicans are still projected to retain control of the House, maintaining a majority.
Currently, Democrats are trailing with 210 seats, and six races remain uncalled.
These final races will be crucial in determining the size of the GOP’s majority, which could influence key votes in the 119th Congress.
Along with New York, California is emerging as a pivotal battleground for House control.