Decision Desk HQ projects that Democrat George Whitesides will unseat Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) in a remarkable win for Democrats. Whitesides, the former CEO of Virgin Galactic and a past NASA chief of staff under the Obama administration, is set to secure California’s 27th Congressional District.
This district, located in northern Los Angeles, had been considered a critical opportunity for Democrats, as President Biden had previously outperformed former President Trump here by 12 points in 2020.
This Democratic victory is noteworthy, but Republicans are still expected to retain control of the House, maintaining their legislative influence in Washington. At this time, Democrats are trailing with 210 seats, while six races remain uncalled. The final outcomes of these races will shape the GOP’s majority and could have a substantial impact on high-stakes votes in the 119th Congress.
California, along with New York, proved to be essential battlegrounds in determining House control this election cycle. The results from these states are closely watched, as the margins in these remaining districts may influence the dynamics in Washington, affecting everything from budget votes to major policy debates.