The so-called blue wave reached California’s inland North State on Tuesday, flipping a congressional seat Republicans have held for more than a decade.
Democrat Mike McGuire will be the new U.S. House representative for California’s 1st congressional district. He defeated Republican incumbent James Gallagher.
The outcome was projected after voters approved Proposition 50 last year that redrew the district to favor Democrats.
The new map removed Redding, a Republican stronghold, and added the more Democratic Santa Rosa.
McGuire was in Santa Rosa on election night Tuesday, when The Associated Press called the race shortly before 9 p.m.
In his victory speech, McGuire told supporters at Mary’s Pizza House that he was ready to join other Democrats in challenging President Donald Trump.
“Here in America, what we believe is that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful, no matter how connected, no matter how rich you are,” McGuire said. “The day for accountability is coming.”
McGuire also emphasized protecting democracy against fascism and strengthening the middle class.
“We're … making sure that those who make the most — the billionaires — are paying their fair share," McGuire said. "We're standing up for our voting rights. We're standing up and standing strong for the rule of law. We are delivering on a promise that we are going to build a stronger middle class, and paychecks are stronger for every American."
Gallagher, meanwhile, raised concerns about whether McGuire would adequately represent the district’s rural residents.
Speaking with NSPR on election night, he pointed to the differences between the North State and newly added communities through redistricting.
“He’s got two very different worlds that he's representing,” Gallagher said. “You know, this area is very, very different from Sonoma County.”
Gallagher criticized the redistricting under Proposition 50, saying it cost North State voters their representation.
“It'll be the first time that someone who doesn't actually live here and know these communities will be our representative,” Gallagher said, “and I think that in itself just shows how unjust it really is.”
Gallagher had beat out McGuire in a special election in June after the death of Republican Rep.Doug LaMalfa, who led California's 1st Congressional District for over 12 years.
NSPR’s Claudia Brancart provided reporting for this story.
