2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California
The 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California were held on November 4, 2008 to determine who would represent California various congressional districts in the United States House of Representatives. In the 111th Congress, California has 53 seats in the House, apportioned accordingly after the 2000 United States Census. Representatives are elected to two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009 to January 3, 2011. The election coincides with the United States presidential election as well as other elections in California.
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All 53 California seats to the United States House of Representatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 Results: Democratic hold Republican hold | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elections in California |
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According to CQ Politics, the districts considered the most competitive were the 4th and 11th, with the 3rd, 8th, 26th, 46th and 50th as less than safe as well.[1] However, the partisan balance of the state's congressional delegation did not change, despite the strong Democratic dominance during the broader elections.
Overview
| United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2008[2] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Votes | Percentage | Seats | +/– | |
| Democratic | 7,380,825 | 59.90% | 34 | 0 | |
| Republican | 4,515,925 | 36.65% | 19 | 0 | |
| Libertarian | 220,118 | 1.79% | 0 | 0 | |
| Independent | 90,340 | 0.73% | 0 | 0 | |
| Green | 60,926 | 0.49% | 0 | 0 | |
| Peace and Freedom | 47,659 | 0.39% | 0 | 0 | |
| American Independent | 6,286 | 0.05% | 0 | 0 | |
| Valid votes | 12,322,079 | 89.66% | — | — | |
| Invalid or blank votes | 1,421,098 | 10.34% | — | — | |
| Totals | 13,743,177 | 100.00% | 53 | — | |
| Voter turnout | 79.42% | ||||
Results
Below are the final official results as reported by the Secretary of State.[2][3]
|
District 1 • District 2 • District 3 • District 4 • District 5 • District 6 • District 7 • District 8 • District 9 • District 10 • District 11 • District 12 • District 13 • District 14 • District 15 • District 16 • District 17 • District 18 • District 19 • District 20 • District 21 • District 22 • District 23 • District 24 • District 25 • District 26 • District 27 • District 28 • District 29 • District 30 • District 31 • District 32 • District 33 • District 34 • District 35 • District 36 • District 37 • District 38 • District 39 • District 40 • District 41 • District 42 • District 43 • District 44 • District 45 • District 46 • District 47 • District 48 • District 49 • District 50 • District 51 • District 52 • District 53 |
District 1
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Thompson (incumbent) | 197,812 | 68.10 | |
| Republican | Zane Starkewolf | 67,853 | 23.36 | |
| Green | Carol Wolman | 24,793 | 8.54 | |
| Green | Pamela Elizondo (write-in) | 14 | 0.00 | |
| Total votes | 290,472 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 75.99 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 2
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Wally Herger (incumbent) | 163,459 | 57.89 | |
| Democratic | Jeffrey Morris | 118,878 | 42.11 | |
| Total votes | 282,337 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 76.98 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 3
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Dan Lungren (incumbent) | 155,424 | 49.49 | |
| Democratic | Bill Durston | 137,971 | 43.93 | |
| Peace and Freedom | Dina Padilla | 13,378 | 4.26 | |
| Libertarian | Douglas Tuma | 7,273 | 2.32 | |
| Total votes | 314,046 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 76.21 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 4
(map)
- California’s 4th District (New Rating: No Clear Favorite. Previous Rating: Leans Republican) from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
On December 2, 2008, Republican Tom McClintock declared victory over Democrat Charlie Brown in the race in the 4th congressional district. Brown conceded his defeat the next day. The race had been so close that it took four weeks of counting all mailed and provisional ballots before McClintock could be assured of victory.
CQ Politics had forecast the race in this traditionally Republican district as 'No Clear Favorite'.[4] Two polls sponsored by Brown showed Brown in the lead; two polls sponsored by McClintock showed McClintock in the lead.[5]
| Pollster | Dates | Respondents | McClintock | Brown | Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Val Smith (R-McClintock) | 10/21-22/08 | 400 likely voters | 49% | 40% | - | - |
| Val Smith (R-McClintock) | 9/22-24/08 | 400 likely voters | 47% | 39% | - | - |
| Benenson Strategy (D-Brown) | 8/21-24/08 | 500 likely voters | 41% | 43% | - | 15% |
| Benenson Strategy (D-Brown) | 5/14-15/08 | 400 likely voters | 40% | 42% | - | 18% |
Charlie Brown is a retired Air Force officer who first ran for this seat in 2006, losing to incumbent John Doolittle by three percent of the vote. Brown announced in February 2007 that he would run again in 2008. Doolittle's prospects for reelection suffered because of a federal investigation into his alleged ties to Jack Abramoff. In April 2007, the FBI raided Doolittle's Virginia home. Doolittle denies all wrongdoing, and has not been charged with any crime. On January 10, 2008, Doolittle announced that he would finish his term but not run for re-election.[6]
On March 4, 2008, State Senator Tom McClintock of Thousand Oaks officially launched his campaign for this district at the Placer County Courthouse in Auburn. McClintock received immediate endorsements from local and state Republicans, including State Senator Sam Aanasted, State Assemblyman Ted Gaines, State Assemblyman Rick Keene, Auburn City Councilman Kevin Hanley, Yuba County Supervisor Dan Logue, and Nevada County Supervisor Sue Horne. [7]
Brown was endorsed by Senator Max Cleland, former General Wesley Clark, former Republican Congressman Pete McCloskey, Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, and many veterans' groups including the Veterans' Alliance for Security and Democracy and VoteVets.org.[8]
In the primary election on June 3, 2008, Tom McClintock won the Republican primary with 54% of the vote ahead of Doug Ose, Suzanne Jones, and Theodore Terbolizard, in that order.[9] Other Republican candidates had withdrawn from the race and thus did not appear on the ballot, including Rico Oller, Eric Egland, and Auburn City Councilman Mike Holmes.[10]
Charlie Brown won the Democratic primary with 88% of the vote, ahead of John "Wolf" Wolfgram,[9] who had little financial support.[11]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Tom McClintock | 185,790 | 50.24 | |
| Democratic | Charles Brown | 183,990 | 49.76 | |
| Total votes | 369,780 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 82.07 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 5
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Doris Matsui (incumbent) | 164,242 | 74.27 | |
| Republican | Paul Smith | 46,002 | 20.80 | |
| Peace and Freedom | Linda Roberts | 10,731 | 4.85 | |
| Independent | David Lynch (write-in) | 180 | 0.08 | |
| Total votes | 221,155 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 70.93 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 6
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Lynn Woolsey (incumbent) | 229,672 | 71.69 | |
| Republican | Mike Halliwell | 77,073 | 24.06 | |
| Libertarian | Joel Smolen | 13,617 | 4.25 | |
| Total votes | 320,362 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 87.80 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 7
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | George Miller (incumbent) | 170,962 | 72.82 | |
| Republican | Roger Petersen | 51,166 | 21.79 | |
| Peace and Freedom | William Callison | 6,695 | 2.85 | |
| Libertarian | Camden McConnell | 5,950 | 2.53 | |
| Total votes | 234,773 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 79.02 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 8
(map)
The eighth congressional district has been represented by Democrat Nancy Pelosi since 1993, when the area was redistricted from the 5th congressional district. Pelosi, who is Speaker of the House, is considered safe for re-election, but Iraq War activist Cindy Sheehan announced that she would consider running against Pelosi if Pelosi did not put in an article of impeachment against President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.[12] She qualified for the ballot as an independent candidate and was endorsed by the Peace and Freedom Party.[13]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (incumbent) | 204,996 | 71.87 | |
| Independent | Cindy Sheehan | 46,118 | 16.17 | |
| Republican | Dana Walsh | 27,614 | 9.68 | |
| Libertarian | Philip Berg | 6,504 | 2.28 | |
| Independent | Lea Sherman (write-in) | 11 | 0.00 | |
| Independent | Michelle Clay (write-in) | 4 | 0.00 | |
| Total votes | 285,247 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 73.15 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 9
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Barbara Lee (incumbent) | 238,915 | 86.06 | |
| Republican | Charles Hargrave | 26,917 | 9.70 | |
| Libertarian | James Eyer | 11,704 | 4.22 | |
| Green | David Heller (write-in) | 37 | 0.01 | |
| Republican | Christopher Kula (write-in) | 27 | 0.01 | |
| Total votes | 277,600 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 72.10 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 10
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ellen Tauscher (incumbent) | 192,226 | 65.12 | |
| Republican | Nicholas Gerber | 91,877 | 31.13 | |
| Peace and Freedom | Eugene Ruyle | 11,062 | 3.75 | |
| Total votes | 295,165 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 79.75 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 11
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jerry McNerney (incumbent) | 164,500 | 55.27 | |
| Republican | Dean Andal | 133,104 | 44.72 | |
| American Independent | David Christensen (write-in) | 12 | 0.00 | |
| Total votes | 297,616 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 78.53 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 12
(map)
California's 12th congressional district is represented by Democrat Jackie Speier. She won a special election months before the general election to replace Tom Lantos, who represented the district from 1981 until his death due to esophageal cancer at the age of 80 in 2008. Lantos had announced that he would not seek re-election due to his declining health. This overwhelmingly Democratic district comprises mainly northern San Mateo County and the Sunset area of San Francisco.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jackie Speier (incumbent) | 200,442 | 75.11 | |
| Republican | Greg Conlon | 49,258 | 18.46 | |
| Peace and Freedom | Nathalie Hrizi | 5,793 | 2.17 | |
| Green | Barry Hermanson | 5,776 | 2.16 | |
| Libertarian | Kevin Peterson | 5,584 | 2.09 | |
| Total votes | 266,853 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 72.73 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 13
(map)
California's 13th congressional district has been represented by Democrat Pete Stark since 1973. Often regarded as the most liberal member of Congress (and its only atheist), Stark ran for re-election and was unopposed for the Democratic nomination.[14] His overwhelmingly Democratic district is centered in the East Bay and includes Hayward.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Pete Stark (incumbent) | 166,829 | 76.43 | |
| Republican | Raymond Chui | 51,447 | 23.57 | |
| Total votes | 218,276 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 70.72 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 14
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Anna Eshoo (incumbent) | 190,301 | 69.77 | |
| Republican | Ronny Santana | 60,610 | 22.22 | |
| Libertarian | Brian Holtz | 11,929 | 4.37 | |
| Green | Carol Brouillet | 9,926 | 3.64 | |
| Total votes | 272,766 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 78.46 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 15
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Mike Honda (incumbent) | 170,977 | 71.66 | |
| Republican | Joyce Cordi | 55,489 | 23.26 | |
| Green | Peter Myers | 12,123 | 5.08 | |
| Total votes | 238,589 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 78.78 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 16
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Zoe Lofgren (incumbent) | 146,481 | 71.34 | |
| Republican | Charel Winston | 49,399 | 24.06 | |
| Libertarian | Steven Wells | 9,447 | 4.60 | |
| Total votes | 205,327 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 75.75 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 17
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Sam Farr (incumbent) | 168,907 | 73.88 | |
| Republican | Jeff Taylor | 59,037 | 25.82 | |
| Independent | Peter Andresen (write-in) | 682 | 0.30 | |
| Total votes | 228,626 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 79.72 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 18
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Dennis Cardoza (incumbent) | 130,192 | 100.00 | |
| Total votes | 130,192 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 48.61 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 19
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | George Radanovich (incumbent) | 179,245 | 98.43 | |
| Democratic | Peter Leinau (write-in) | 2,490 | 1.37 | |
| Independent | Phil Rockey (write-in) | 366 | 0.20 | |
| Total votes | 182,101 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 51.19 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 20
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jim Costa (incumbent) | 93,023 | 74.33 | |
| Republican | Jim Lopez | 32,118 | 25.67 | |
| Total votes | 125,141 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 60.55 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 21
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Devin Nunes (incumbent) | 143,498 | 68.39 | |
| Democratic | Larry Johnson | 66,317 | 31.61 | |
| Total votes | 209,815 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 69.40 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 22
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Kevin McCarthy (incumbent) | 224,549 | 100.00 | |
| Total votes | 224,549 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 61.56 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 23
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Lois Capps (incumbent) | 171,403 | 68.07 | |
| Republican | Matt Kokkonen | 80,385 | 31.93 | |
| Total votes | 251,788 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 77.41 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 24
(map)
California's 24th congressional district has been represented by Republican Elton Gallegly since 1987. Although he had claimed that his 2006 campaign would be his last, Gallegly has announced that he intends to seek another term in 2008. Republican State Senator Tom McClintock, who has name statewide recognition from his several statewide campaigns, would have considered the likely frontrunner were there an open seat but moved to an open seat in Northern California's 4th District in 2008. McClintock had been an intra-party rival to Gallegly, who had hoped to have a political ally nominated to succeed him. Bush won 55% here in 2004.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Elton Gallegly (incumbent) | 174,492 | 58.15 | |
| Democratic | Marta Jorgensen | 125,560 | 41.85 | |
| Total votes | 300,052 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 77.30 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 25
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Howard McKeon (incumbent) | 144,660 | 57.73 | |
| Democratic | Jackie Conaway | 105,929 | 42.27 | |
| Total votes | 250,589 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 72.24 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 26
(map)
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
- Dreier (R-i) vs Warner (D) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | David Dreier (incumbent) | 140,615 | 52.64 | |
| Democratic | Russ Warner | 108,039 | 40.44 | |
| Libertarian | Ted Brown | 18,476 | 6.92 | |
| Total votes | 267,130 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 72.22 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 27
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Brad Sherman (incumbent) | 145,812 | 68.51 | |
| Republican | Navraj Singh | 52,852 | 24.83 | |
| Libertarian | Tim Denton | 14,171 | 6.66 | |
| Total votes | 212,835 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 70.78 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 28
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Howard Berman (incumbent) | 137,471 | 99.89 | |
| Independent | Michael Koch (write-in) | 150 | 0.11 | |
| Total votes | 137,621 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 55.68 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 29
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Adam Schiff (incumbent) | 146,198 | 68.91 | |
| Republican | Charles Hahn | 56,727 | 26.74 | |
| Libertarian | Alan Pyeatt | 9,219 | 4.35 | |
| Total votes | 212,144 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 68.57 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 30
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Henry Waxman (incumbent) | 242,792 | 100.00 | |
| Total votes | 242,792 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 58.37 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 31
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Xavier Becerra (incumbent) | 110,955 | 100.00 | |
| Total votes | 110,955 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 57.69 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 32
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Hilda Solis (incumbent) | 130,142 | 99.99 | |
| Independent | Innocent Osunwa (write-in) | 8 | 0.01 | |
| Total votes | 130,150 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 53.65 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 33
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Diane Watson (incumbent) | 186,924 | 87.57 | |
| Republican | David Crowley | 26,536 | 12.43 | |
| Total votes | 213,460 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 70.19 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 34
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Lucille Roybal-Allard (incumbent) | 98,503 | 77.09 | |
| Republican | Christopher Balding | 29,266 | 22.91 | |
| Total votes | 127,769 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 63.68 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 35
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Maxine Waters (incumbent) | 150,778 | 82.58 | |
| Republican | Ted Hayes | 24,169 | 13.24 | |
| Libertarian | Herb Peters | 7,632 | 4.18 | |
| Total votes | 182,579 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 69.73 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 36
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jane Harman (incumbent) | 171,948 | 68.64 | |
| Republican | Brian Gibson | 78,543 | 31.36 | |
| Total votes | 250,491 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 74.36 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 37
(map)
This district has been represented by Democrat Laura Richardson since winning a special election on August 21, 2007 that was called after Democrat Juanita Millender-McDonald died of cancer. The staunchly Democratic district includes Compton, some of south-central Los Angeles and much of Long Beach.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Laura Richardson (incumbent) | 131,342 | 74.94 | |
| Independent | Nicholas Dibs | 42,774 | 24.41 | |
| Democratic | Peter Mathews (write-in) | 600 | 0.34 | |
| Republican | June Pouesi (write-in) | 526 | 0.30 | |
| Democratic | Lee Davis (write-in) | 10 | 0.01 | |
| Total votes | 175,252 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 63.24 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 38
(map)
California's 38th congressional district has been represented by Democrat Grace Napolitano since 1999. Napolitano's heavily Democratic east Los Angeles-based district is a largely Hispanic one that includes Montebello, Pico Rivera, La Puente, and part of Norwalk.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Grace Napolitano (incumbent) | 130,211 | 81.73 | |
| Libertarian | Christopher Agrella | 29,113 | 18.27 | |
| Total votes | 159,324 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 63.74 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 39
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Linda Sánchez (incumbent) | 125,289 | 69.67 | |
| Republican | Diane Lenning | 54,533 | 30.33 | |
| Total votes | 179,822 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 68.28 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 40
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ed Royce (incumbent) | 144,923 | 62.55 | |
| Democratic | Christina Avalos | 86,772 | 37.45 | |
| Total votes | 231,695 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 67.40 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 41
(map)
California's 41st congressional district has been represented by Republican Jerry Lewis since 1979. Lewis served as the chair of the House Appropriations Committee when Republicans controlled the House. Lewis, who will be 74 in 2008, has come under investigation for connections to the Copeland Lowery lobbying firm. In spite of speculation that he would retire, Lewis announced he would seek reelection on August 31.[15] Bush won 62% here in 2004.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jerry Lewis (incumbent) | 159,486 | 61.65 | |
| Democratic | Tim Prince | 99,214 | 38.35 | |
| Total votes | 258,700 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 71.43 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 42
(map)
California's 42nd congressional district is one of the most conservative districts in the state, and has been represented by Republican Gary Miller since 1999. Before the election, Miller suffered bad press, with four ex-aides accusing him of conflict-of-interest and using his position to profit from the sale of personal land holdings.[16]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Gary Miller (incumbent) | 158,404 | 60.16 | |
| Democratic | Ed Chau | 104,909 | 39.84 | |
| Total votes | 263,313 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 70.77 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 43
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Joe Baca (incumbent) | 108,259 | 69.14 | |
| Republican | John Roberts | 48,312 | 30.86 | |
| Total votes | 156,571 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 63.37 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 44
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Ken Calvert (incumbent) | 129,937 | 51.19 | |
| Democratic | Bill Hedrick | 123,890 | 48.81 | |
| Total votes | 253,827 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 72.61 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 45
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mary Bono Mack (incumbent) | 155,166 | 58.29 | |
| Democratic | Julie Bornstein | 111,026 | 41.71 | |
| Total votes | 266,192 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 74.36 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 46
(map)
Republican Dana Rohrabacher's district (which includes the Southern Channel Islands, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and parts of Orange County) has been a Republican stronghold in recent years. Huntington Beach mayor Debbie Cook was the (Democratic) challenger.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Dana Rohrabacher (incumbent) | 149,818 | 52.52 | |
| Democratic | Debbie Cook | 122,891 | 43.08 | |
| Green | Thomas Lash | 8,257 | 2.89 | |
| Libertarian | Ernst Gasteiger | 4,311 | 1.51 | |
| Total votes | 285,277 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 70.10 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 47
(map)
California's 47th congressional district was represented by Democrat Loretta Sanchez since 1997. Sanchez won 62% of the vote in a district that barely went to George W. Bush with around 50% to 49% in 2004, which could have resulted in an opening for Republicans, who had not recruited a strong candidate in years. This year, Republican Rosie Avila hoped to oust Sanchez. However, Sanchez's district is located in one of the more Democratic areas of Orange County, including Anaheim and Santa Ana, and Al Gore won this district in 2000 by a comfortable margin.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Loretta Sanchez (incumbent) | 85,878 | 69.49 | |
| Republican | Rosemarie Avila | 31,432 | 25.43 | |
| American Independent | Robert Lauten | 6,274 | 5.08 | |
| Total votes | 123,584 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 57.01 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 48
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | John Campbell (incumbent) | 171,658 | 55.61 | |
| Democratic | Steve Young | 125,537 | 40.67 | |
| Libertarian | Don Patterson | 11,507 | 3.73 | |
| Total votes | 308,702 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 70.17 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 49
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Darrell Issa (incumbent) | 140,300 | 58.30 | |
| Democratic | Robert Hamilton | 90,138 | 37.45 | |
| Libertarian | Lars Grossmith | 10,232 | 4.25 | |
| Total votes | 240,670 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 76.19 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 50
(map)
California's 50th congressional district has been represented by Republican Brian Bilbray since 2006. Bilbray won 53% of the vote in a Republican-leaning district north of San Diego that was previously represented by the scandal-plagued Duke Cunningham (R). George W. Bush won 54% here in 2004. Nick Leibham won against Cheryl Ede in the Democratic primary. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Republican'.
- Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
- Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
- Bilbray (R-i) vs Leibham (D) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Brian Bilbray (incumbent) | 157,502 | 50.24 | |
| Democratic | Nick Leibham | 141,635 | 45.18 | |
| Libertarian | Wayne Dunlap | 14,365 | 4.58 | |
| Total votes | 313,502 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 80.15 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 51
(map)
The congressional district has been held by Bob Filner, who formerly represented the 50th, since its inception following the 1992 redistricting. The district was redrawn following the 2000 Census, creating a gerrymandered district boundary. Democratic incumbent Bob Filner of San Diego is seeking reelection and is being challenged by Republican businessman David Lee Joy of Spring Valley. The Libertarian candidate is musician and software systems engineer Dan "Frodo" Litwin of San Diego.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Bob Filner (incumbent) | 148,281 | 72.75 | |
| Republican | David Joy | 49,345 | 24.21 | |
| Libertarian | Dan Litwin | 6,199 | 3.04 | |
| Total votes | 203,825 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 69.06 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
District 52
(map)
This race is for an open seat, being vacated by former Republican presidential candidate Duncan Hunter. Both Democratic and Republican candidates are OIF veterans. The Libertarian candidate is 2002 congressional candidate Mike Benoit.[17]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Duncan D. Hunter | 160,724 | 56.37 | |
| Democratic | Mike Lumpkin | 111,051 | 38.95 | |
| Libertarian | Michael Benoit | 13,316 | 4.67 | |
| Independent | Joseph Ryan (write-in) | 47 | 0.02 | |
| Total votes | 285,138 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 79.48 | |||
| Republican hold | ||||
District 53
(map)
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Susan Davis (incumbent) | 161,315 | 68.49 | |
| Republican | Michael Crimmins | 64,658 | 27.45 | |
| Libertarian | Edward Teyssier | 9,569 | 4.06 | |
| Total votes | 235,542 | 100.00 | ||
| Turnout | 72.72 | |||
| Democratic hold | ||||
References
- "2008 House Ratings Chart". Congressional Quarterly. October 28, 2008. Archived from the original on October 28, 2010.
- "Statement of Vote: November 4, 2008, General Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of California. December 15, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 2, 2012. Retrieved December 25, 2008.
- "October 20, 2008 Report of Registration: Registration by Congressional District" (PDF). Secretary of State of California. October 31, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 24, 2009. Retrieved January 7, 2009.
- "California's 4th District (New Rating: No Clear Favorite. Previous Rating: Leans Republican". Congressional Quarterly. Archived from the original on October 31, 2008. Retrieved October 29, 2008.
- "2008 California CD-04 General Election: McClintock (R) vs Brown (D)". Pollster.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
- Blake, Aaron; Kucinich, Jackie (January 10, 2008). "Doolittle says he will not seek reelection". The Hill. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- "McClintock Launches Campaign for Congress". Tom McClintock's congressional Campaign. March 4, 2008. Archived from the original on March 9, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- "New McClintock Attack Site Plagiarizes Charlie Brown's Website". YubaNet.com. September 26, 2008. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- "Statement of Vote: June 3, 2008, Statewide Direct Primary Election" (PDF). Secretary of State of California. September 2, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 16, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- Whitney, David (August 15, 2007). "Second Republican takes on Doolittle". The Sacramento Bee. Archived from the original on June 2, 2008. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
- Moller, Dave. "Congressional Showdown". The Union. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- "Cindy Sheehan considering run against Pelosi". CNN. July 8, 2007. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- "Cindy Sheehan for Congress!". Peace and Freedom Party. Retrieved October 18, 2008.
- "County finalizes primary ballots". Inside Bay Area. March 11, 2008.
- "Rep. Jerry Lewis to Run for Re-election Despite Lobbying Probe". Fox News. Associated Press. August 31, 2008. Retrieved January 7, 2009.
- Heisel, William (December 12, 2006). "Ex-aides allege abuse of power". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on January 10, 2007. Retrieved February 15, 2007.
- "Direct Primary Election, Candidate List" (PDF). County of San Diego - Registrar of Voters. March 26, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 14, 2008. Retrieved March 26, 2008.