Rep. Mike Levin, a Democrat running for a fourth two-year term, appears headed for a November face-off with Republican challenger Matt Gunderson to represent the coastal communities in southern Orange County and northern San Diego County in the 49th Congressional District.
Early unofficial results showed Levin with a strong lead and Gunderson second in both counties. The district’s other candidates, all Republicans, are Sheryl Adams, an automotive technology executive; Kate Monroe, a businesswoman and veteran advocate; and Margarita Wilkinson, a businesswoman.
“I’m honored to once again receive the support of the constituents of the 49th Congressional District, and I look forward to further connecting with them in the months ahead,” Levin said in a statement Tuesday evening. “They know that I am in Congress advocating for our district’s priorities and I will continue fighting for them.”
During the campaign Levin emphasized his record. He said he’s helped obtain $835 million in federal funding for projects in his district and helped pass 30 bipartisan laws to lower costs, improve veterans’ services, and combat climate change.
Gunderson, a car dealership owner, said he is running to strengthen the economy, restore public safety and secure the border.
The top two vote-getters in the primary go to the November general election, regardless of party.
Initial results for other congressional districts in the county show all the incumbents with comfortable leads as they look toward the general election.
In the 48th District representing inland North County and East County, incumbent Republican Darrell Issa was ahead of five challengers. Stephen Houlahan, a Democrat, was a distant second; followed by Lucinda Jahn, an independent; Matthew Rascon, a Democrat; Whitney Shanahan, Democrat; and Mike Simon, a Democrat.
In the 50th District, incumbent Democrat Scott Peters was leading for his seventh two-year term to represent coastal San Diego and inland North County. His challengers were Peter Bono, a Republican, who was in second place; followed by Solomon David Moss, a Republican; and Dr. Timothy Bilash, a Democrat.
The 51st District incumbent seeking a third term is Sara Jacobs who, at 35, is the youngest Democrat in the House. She led her challengers for the seat that represents the San Diego and East County areas. El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, a Republican, was in second place; others were unaffiliated candidate Hilaire Fuji Shioura; and Stan Caplan, an independent who formerly ran as a Republican.
Wells, at an election night party at the US Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego, said he and his campaign were feeling that people “want their country and quality of life back.”
“They want to be able to live safely on their streets and know their borders are secure,” Wells said, to cheers from the 100 or so people gathered around the stage.
Six-term Democrat Juan Vargas is running for re-election in the 52nd District, representing southern San Diego and South County. He led his only challenger, Republican Justin Lee.
Staff writers Lauren Mapp and Caleb Lunetta contributed to this report.
