Huntington Beach, one of the more conservative Southern California cities, faces the possibility of becoming part of a different congressional district if Prop 50 passes.
The coastal city whose city council is made up of all Republican elected officials would become part of Congressional District 42, led by Rep. Robert Garcia, instead of Congressional District 47.
While Rep. Dave Min is also a Democrat who currently represents Huntington Beach and other parts of Congressional District 47, the idea of being represented by Garcia, a gay, progressive Democrat, may not sit well with some, including Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns.
“I don’t trust him,” Burns said about Garcia. “I (saw) him on TV, chanting in these rallies. He’s (drunk) the poison of the Democrat party, and he’s all in for the big show, and not for what’s right.”
Burns, a very vocal and strong supporter of President Donald Trump, said he does not believe Garcia would fight for the people of Huntington Beach.
“We love America. We love this community, and we want to preserve it,” Burns said while getting emotional. “It’s important.”
2024 presidential election results in District 42
According to analyses performed by The Downballot. Zoom out to see other areas in California
Strong lean Trump
Moderate lean Trump
Mild lean Trump
Mild lean Harris
Moderate lean Harris
Strong lean Harris
Current legislative districts
New legislative districts
Source: California State Assembly, The Downballot
Graphic: Tejal Wakchoure
If Congressional District 42 is redrawn, it would lower registered Democrats within the region from 53% to 40% while registered Republicans would jump from 18% to 30%.
But Rep. Garcia said he’s confident he can win the newly drawn district and work with local leaders across the party lines.
“At the end of the day, I know I’m going to represent everyone,” said Garcia, former Long Beach mayor. “I think whether you’re a republican in Newport Beach or a Democrat in Seal Beach, at the end of day, people want you to focus on what’s going to make their lives better.”
Orange County is one of the few purple counties in California as Democrats make up 36% of the registered voters while Republicans represent 34%.
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