Rep. Young Kim Secures Reelection in California’s 40th District, Strengthening GOP’s Position in Washington

The California congresswoman’s decisive win reinforces Republican control as the party prepares to take on a critical year ahead.

Republican Rep. Young Kim has clinched a decisive victory in California’s 40th Congressional District, with the Associated Press calling the race Thursday night. Kim leads her Democratic challenger Joe Kerr by a substantial margin, securing 56.4% of the vote, according to the state’s latest returns.

This win for Kim is a significant boost for Republicans, who now look to extend their legislative influence with a firmer hold on Congress. The GOP is already positioned to control the White House and Senate, and victories like Kim’s underscore the party’s momentum as it readies for policy battles ahead.

In a statement Thursday evening, Kim expressed deep gratitude for the support of her constituents and campaign team. “Thank you to the people of California’s 40th District for putting your trust in me and to all of our amazing Team Young supporters that brought us across the finish line,” she said. “Whether you volunteered, donated or spread our message to family, friends and neighbors, you were instrumental in getting us to this point, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Kim further emphasized her commitment to bipartisan leadership and problem-solving in Congress. “I look forward to continuing to be an independent voice, bring common sense to Washington and through bipartisanship, deliver results, regardless of who you voted for. There is so much to do to get our country back on track, and I am ready to get back to Washington and continue to fight on behalf of my community.”

Kim first flipped the district in 2020, defeating a Democratic incumbent in a narrow race that turned the seat from blue to red. Her win at the time was part of a wave of successful Republican campaigns that recaptured critical seats across the country. Notably, Kim’s district remains one of only 13 in the nation to back a representative and a president from different parties, highlighting her unique appeal across party lines.