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WASHINGTON — Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Levin defeated a challenge from Republican Matt Gunderson to win a fourth term representing the coastal district of San Diego and Orange counties.
The Associated Press called the race in California’s 49th Congressional District on Tuesday, but it will likely take longer before official results are available.
The victory means Democrats retain control of seats that were vulnerable to flipping. But that may not be enough for Democrats to win a House majority. As of Tuesday night, Republicans were just two seats away from winning a majority.
Levin, a former environmental lawyer, was elected to Congress in 2018 and has supported zero-emission vehicles, water quality protection and the safe removal of nuclear fuel from the shuttered San Onofre nuclear power plant. Before retiring, Mr. Gunderson operated three car dealerships in Orange County. He ran as a supporter of abortion rights, tax cuts, and border security.
Top issues in the coastal region, located about 80 miles north of the Mexican border, included the environment, housing, veterans issues and immigration.
The 49th Congressional District is one of several close races in California that could have helped determine which party controls the House. Last month, the Cook Political Report changed the district’s race from “leaning Democratic” to “leaning Democratic,” a sign of a concerted effort by Republicans to flip the seat.
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