Former Assemblymember Scott Baugh conceded to state Sen. Dave Min Tuesday night in the race for California’s 47th congressional district, securing a decisive victory for Min and national Democrats in keeping the seat blue.
Decision Desk HQ, which analyzes elections, called the race around 6:45 p.m.
“It has become clear that despite running a strong campaign, connecting with voters and mobilizing an incredible volunteer effort — that effort is going to come up a little short,” Baugh said Tuesday night, Nov. 12. “I was looking forward to working with Democrats, Republicans and President Trump to solve serious problems like an open border, increasing crime and runaway federal spending but the voters have spoken and this is not what is intended for me.”
The seat, vacated when three-term incumbent Rep. Katie Porter ran for U.S. Senate, quickly became one of the most closely watched races in the nation.
Republicans were optimistic that Baugh could flip the seat, particularly since he came close to defeating Porter in 2022 despite being significantly outspent.
In a statement Thursday night, Min said that “as the child of immigrants who survived the Korean War, I owe everything I have to this country.”
“In Congress, I will carry on the fight to protect our democracy, safeguard our freedoms and expand the economic opportunity at the heart of the American dream,” he said. “You have my pledge on this — I will continue to stand up for our rights, including the reproductive rights of women, and to fight for a stronger and better future for young people, including creating more affordable housing, reducing gun violence and doing all we can to rescue our civilization from the climate crisis. The fight has just begun.”
Elsewhere in Orange County Thursday night, Rep. Mike Levin won California’s 49th congressional district, The Associated Press called.
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