Kim and Calvert Will Face Off in District 40
The two Republican incumbents will compete for California Congressional District 40 in the November 2026 election.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Elections
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Young Kim and Ken Calvert will face off in the general election for California Congressional District 40 this November 2026. Both candidates advanced to the ballot after finishing in the top two spots during the June primary.
Why it matters
The matchup occurs following California voter approval of new congressional maps that redrew district boundaries. This redistricting forced the two sitting Republican members of Congress into a direct contest for the same seat.
In the June primary, Ken Calvert secured 35% of the vote and Young Kim took 20%. The race is set for the November 2026 general election following state-mandated redistricting.
The players
Young Kim
Young Kim is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives who has served in Congress since 2021.
Ken Calvert
Ken Calvert is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives who has held his seat since 1992.
The details
Ken Calvert, who has served in Congress since 1992, and Young Kim, who joined in 2021, are running as the only two candidates in the general election. The race follows the approval of new congressional district maps that altered previous boundaries across California.
Timeline
Ken Calvert began his tenure in Congress in 1992.
Young Kim was first elected to serve in Congress in 2020.
The candidates secured their ballot spots in June 2026.
The final election for the district seat occurs in November 2026.
Political Context
The contest is a direct result of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission's map redraw process, which significantly altered district lines. Opposition groups often argue that such redistricting efforts can lead to the displacement of long-serving incumbents and reduce regional representation stability.
The election will determine which candidate will represent California Congressional District 40 in the upcoming legislative session. Residents in the affected areas of Orange County and the Inland Empire will see the results of this choice reflected in future congressional voting records.
The takeaway
Voters will ultimately decide which Republican representative will lead the newly drawn district in November. Understanding the track records of both long-serving members remains essential for residents heading to the polls.
Further reading
For more information on state ballot measures and candidate information, visit the California Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Southern California.
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