As of the evening of November 11th, current Republican Congressman for the 27th District, Mike Garcia, trailed behind Democratic candidate George Whitesides with 140,584 votes (48.8%) compared to Whitesides’ 147,567 votes (51.2%), admitting defeat.
The 27th District includes most of northern Los Angeles County, incorporating cities such as Santa Clarita, Palmdale, and Lancaster, as well as parts of the San Fernando Valley in the northwest of Los Angeles. Observers noted a shift in the election dynamics on November 8th, with Garcia gaining around 70,000 votes (50.2%) and Whitesides securing approximately 90,000 votes (49.8%); on November 10th, Garcia gained over 80,000 votes (49.1%) while Whitesides added around 140,000 votes (50.9%); and on November 11th, Garcia added about 40,000 votes, while Whitesides gained around 70,000 votes.
In the primary election in March, only 118,000 people voted in this district, where Garcia led with 54.9%. The current election count as of the 11th in Los Angeles County has reached 63.1%, with a total of over 280,000 voters in the 27th District. Los Angeles County alone boasts over 5.74 million registered voters out of the 58 counties in California, holding 17 seats out of the state’s 52 congressional seats (some districts span across counties), with Democratic candidates currently victorious in 16 districts.
In California’s 45th Congressional District spanning Los Angeles and Orange County, incumbent Young Kim trailed by 4,072 votes in Los Angeles County (according to the LA County Registrar of Voters), but held a narrow lead in California. As per the Secretary of State’s website, as of 12th afternoon at 4:47 pm, Young Kim led opponent Derek Tran by 3,876 votes, representing 50.7% to 49.3%. According to the Orange County Registrar of Voters, Young Kim led by 6,344 votes in Orange County.
According to Fox News, Whitesides stated in a declaration, “It is an honor to be elected as a Congressman to serve the districts of Santa Clarita, Antelope Valley, and San Fernando Valley. Congressman Garcia called me earlier to concede, and I thank him for his service to our district and country.”
“In Congress, you can count on me to work towards creating more local job opportunities, lowering everyday costs, building secure communities, protecting social security and healthcare insurance, and fighting for reproductive freedom (abortion rights),” Whitesides said.
A veteran of the Navy and businessman, Mike Garcia acknowledged his defeat and stated, “It has been the honor of my life to represent the people of California’s 27th District for the past four and a half years. I am grateful for the sacrifices made by my family, and the dedication of my team and volunteers working harder than any other across the nation during this journey. We achieved so much in a short period, truly making history and saving lives, and I am proud of all we have accomplished.”
Garcia, a distinguished former Navy officer, was deployed to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz as one of the first F/A-18 Super Hornet attack pilots post the 9/11 terrorist attacks. During his service, he undertook over 30 combat missions over Baghdad, Fallujah, and Tikrit. “I will always serve this great country in any capacity and continue to strive to maintain her glory, secure the people, and protect her future,” Garcia said in a press release issued on the same day, honoring veterans and advocating for accountability.
“As a former Navy fighter pilot, I had the privilege to serve alongside some of the bravest individuals. They were not seeking recognition or honor, but they believed in something greater: that freedom is worth defending at any cost,” Garcia said, acknowledging that many veterans carry scars, visible or invisible, from their service, and transitioning back to civilian life can be challenging.
Since taking office, Garcia’s team has resolved over 600 veteran cases and supported the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Act signed in September, safeguarding benefits for 7 million veterans and bringing oversight and transparency. “Thank you to all who have served. Your courage, spirit of sacrifice, and service keep America strong,” Garcia expressed.