Democratic challenger Will Rollins, a veteran federal prosecutor, lost to Republican incumbent Rep. Ken Calvert in California’s 41st Congressional District, moving the Republicans closer to retaking the House.
The district became more competitive this year as a result of changes to congressional districts in California and “the inclusion of one of the nation’s greatest concentrations of LGBTQ voters,” as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
CA-41 was among the contests being widely watched to decide the balance of power in the lower House, as Dave Wasserman of The Cook Political Report reported over the weekend.
“This election indicated that Riverside County voters are more interested in individuals serious about addressing our difficulties than personal politics,” said Calvert, one of the longest-serving California GOP legislators. That this district, and the nation as a whole, is deeply split along party lines is obvious. Thanks to my consistent bipartisan efforts, I have built a strong track record of getting things done for Riverside County.
The Republican Party is just one seat away from gaining a majority in the House of Representatives.