Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher is heading to Congress after winning the special election to fill the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s vacant seat.
But even as Gallagher celebrates that win, his next race is already underway.
In November, Gallagher is expected to face Democratic state Sen. Mike McGuire for a full two-year term in California’s 1st Congressional District. This time the contest will take place under newly drawn congressional lines that are more favorable to Democrats.
Here’s what to know.
Primary results offer clues ahead of November
On Friday, preliminary results from the regular primary showed Gallagher leading with about 47% of the vote, roughly nine points ahead of McGuire, according to The Associated Press.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean the November general election will look the same.
Turnout was low heading into Election Day, and the Democratic vote was split between McGuire and Chico Democrat Audrey Denney.
With Denney out of the race, a big question will be whether McGuire can bring most of her supporters on board and overtake Gallagher.
The Cook Political Report rates District 1 as a “solid” Democratic seat.
Candidates use Newsom, Trump to try to sway voters
The race is also quickly becoming a fight over national and state politics.
Gallagher has been tying McGuire to Gov. Gavin Newsom and the new Proposition 50 congressional maps, which were drawn to help Democrats in response to redistricting in Texas.
In his election night speech, Gallagher criticized the new district lines and accused McGuire of trying to reshape the North State’s political voice.
“We don’t need your Prop. 50, buddy,” Gallagher said. “But turns out we’re doing pretty good in the district that you rigged for yourself too.”
Meanwhile, McGuire is trying to tie Gallagher to President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.
In an interview with NSPR on Wednesday, McGuire pointed to health care access as one of the major contrasts between the candidates.
“Donald Trump and James Gallagher supported taking your health care away,” McGuire said. “Donald Trump cut a trillion dollars in Medicaid to pay for $2.2 trillion in tax cuts for billionaires.”
Denney’s voters could play key role in November
The new District 1 now stretches from rural parts of the North State into more Democratic-leaning Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa.
That shift could make the race more competitive in November.
Gallagher indicated that he’s going to try to expand his support in a district that now leans more Democratic. McGuire will need to consolidate Democratic voters, including Denney supporters, as November approaches.
Denney, who did not advance to November, had 14% of the vote in the regular primary as of Friday, according to The AP.
She told NSPR on election night that many voters “from Susanville to Santa Rosa” are feeling disillusioned with the political process and have “the same kind of heart for change.”
Where those voters ultimately land may play a major role in deciding the November general election.
