Republican Young Kim Defeats Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros For 39th District Seat
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Republican Young Kim has defeated Democratic incumbent Rep. Gil Cisneros in the race for the 39th Congressional District, the Associated Press projected Friday.
With 98.92% of precincts reporting, Kim had won 50.61% of the vote compared to Cisneros' 49.39% — a difference of 4,145 votes.
"I'm sorry I won't be able to continue that work in Congress this January," Cisneros said in a statement. "I called to congratulate Young Kim on her victory. For the benefit of the district and the country, I wish her nothing but the best and hope she will stay true to her word and protect those with preexisting conditions, work to lower prescription drug prices and reinstate the SALT deduction. I hope she will continue my willingness to reach across the aisle in order to get results, because her success is the 39th District's success."
The race was a rematch of 2018's election, when Cisneros defeated Kim, a protégé of former Rep. Ed Royce.
During that race, Kim was leading and even traveled to Washington, D.C., for an orientation for newly elected congressional representatives, only to be overtaken by Cisneros in late-arriving ballots.
The district covers parts of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, including Fullerton, La Habra, La Habra Heights, Brea, Buena Park, Anaheim Hills, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Diamond Bar, Chino Hills, Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights.
