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The California Races That Could Decide Control of Congress

Redistricting wars, a major Supreme Court ruling and a Democratic Party identity crisis are converging to shape the fight for control over Congress.
Election voting materials, including official voter information guide, sample ballot and an official ballot with return envelope mailed to a Southern California resident, ahead of a state primary election, photographed May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles, California.  (Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)

California will once again play a big role in determining which party controls the U.S. Congress next year. That’s in part because of the mid-decade redistricting battle that President Trump set off last summer, but it’s also tied to a recent Supreme Court ruling that has prompted several Southern states to redraw their maps even after some voters have cast their ballots.

Marisa and Scott sit down with Guy to discuss how the Democratic Party’s internal debates over generational change are shaping key congressional races.

Then they’re joined by Erin Covey, editor of the Cook Political Report’s coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives, to survey the national landscape and take a closer look at the high stakes districts back here in California.

For more information on the races and ballot measures in California’s June 2 primary election, check out KQED’s Voter Guide.

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