Republicans in California are targeting two congressional districts in Orange and San Diego counties, betting on issues such as retail crime, inflation, and border security to attract moderate voters. The National Republican Congressional Committee has labeled candidates Scott Baugh and Matt Gunderson as “Young Guns” and plans to invest in their races, which are considered competitive by the Cook Political Report. Baugh and Gunderson are highlighting concerns such as California’s progressive policies tarnishing opportunities and the need for reforms to promote prosperity in the region.
Baugh, a former state representative, is running for the 47th Congressional District seat left open by Rep. Katie Porter. He narrowly lost to Porter in 2022 but believes this race is different, with party registration numbers and fundraising being closer this time around. Baugh is focusing on issues like border security, the economy, and crime in his campaign, emphasizing the need for executive actions to address illegal immigration and enforce existing laws. Gunderson, a pro-choice Republican challenging Democratic Rep. Mike Levin, also prioritizes similar issues in his campaign strategy, aiming to remove abortion as a contentious topic to allow for more meaningful discussions on other important issues.
Both Republican candidates see victories in these districts as crucial for the party to hold and expand their majority in the US House of Representatives. They believe that addressing issues like border security, the economy, and crime resonates with voters in California and across the nation. Gunderson, who owns luxury car dealerships, and Baugh highlight the impact of open borders and lack of enforcement on crime in affluent areas like high-end shopping centers in their districts. They propose a focus on securing the border as a priority before considering comprehensive immigration reform.
Despite the Democratic Party’s confidence in retaining the two congressional seats in question, Republican candidates remain optimistic about their chances in Orange and San Diego counties. Baugh and Gunderson emphasize the importance of a shift back towards center-right policies in California, appealing to residents who may feel disillusioned by the state’s current direction. They view their campaigns as opportunities to push for change and swing the pendulum away from progressive policies that they believe have gone too far. The tension between Republicans and Democrats in these districts reflects a broader trend of political competition across the state and the country.
Republicans in California are positioning themselves as alternatives to Democratic incumbents by focusing on issues that resonate with voters in Orange and San Diego counties. Baugh and Gunderson’s campaigns highlight concerns about rampant retail crime, inflation, and border security as key priorities for moderate voters. The National Republican Congressional Committee’s support for these candidates underscores the significance of these races in the party’s efforts to maintain and grow its majority in the US House of Representatives. By emphasizing the need for reforms and a shift away from progressive policies, Republicans hope to attract support from residents who feel dissatisfied with the status quo in California.
In a time of intense political competition, Republican candidates like Baugh and Gunderson are making strategic appeals to voters in California’s suburbs, aiming to address their concerns about the direction of the state. The candidates’ focus on issues like crime, border security, and the economy reflects a broader trend in competitive races across the nation. Despite facing criticisms from the Democratic Party, Baugh and Gunderson are confident in their ability to connect with voters and offer a different vision for the future of their districts. As the campaigns continue, the outcome of these races will be closely watched as indicators of political trends in the region and the country as a whole.
