Calvert leads Kim in early returns for redrawn 40th District

Republican Rep. Ken Calvert led fellow Republican Rep. Young Kim in initial election-night returns for California’s redrawn 40th Congressional District, according to Voice of OC. Calvert had about 54.1% of the vote to Kim’s 45.9%; the count was not final.

The race will determine congressional representation for parts of Orange County, including Rancho Santa Margarita, Anaheim Hills and Mission Viejo. Most of the redrawn district lies in Riverside County, according to Voice of OC.

Calvert had 60,159 votes across Orange and Riverside counties, compared with Kim’s 51,031, according to the election-night report from Voice of OC. The figures reflected initial returns reported as of 10:30 p.m.

The contest brought together incumbents who currently represent different districts. Calvert serves the 41st District, while Kim represents the 40th.

According to Voice of OC, Proposition 50 passed the previous year and prompted statewide redistricting. The new boundaries put the incumbents in competition for a redrawn 40th District with stronger Republican voter registration. Both candidates have emphasized their support for Trump.

Calvert also led the primary, with 75,811 votes, the publication reported. Kim followed with 44,818 votes, while Democratic candidate Esther Kim-Varet received 36,072 and was eliminated.

Kim’s endorsers include the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association and the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, according to Voice of OC. Calvert’s listed supporters include the Republican Party of Riverside County and gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton.

The initial tally gave Calvert the lead, but it did not establish a winner in the race for the redrawn seat.