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Republican wins House seat in heavily Democratic California

Republican wins House seat in heavily Democratic California
Posted at 8:22 PM, May 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-13 20:22:09-04

A Republican has captured a vacant U.S. House seat north of Los Angeles with support from President Donald Trump.

Former Navy fighter pilot Mike Garcia had about 56% of the votes following an updated tally Wednesday. The win over Democratic Assemblywoman Christy Smith represents a rare victory for Republicans in heavily Democratic California.

The last time the party reclaimed a Democratic seat was 1998.

The race in the 25th District was being watched nationally as a proxy vote on Trump’s leadership during the coronavirus crisis, as well as for hints about the political climate heading toward the November elections.