California Democrats Win Five House Seats, Sweep State Races

California Democrats won five previously Republican-held U.S. House seats and swept most statewide races in the November 3 midterm election, strengthening the party’s control of state government as vote counting continued in some contests. The House gains reduced the state’s Republican delegation from nine members to four, according to reported election results. Democrats also won the governorship, with Xavier Becerra defeating Republican Steve Hilton, and held the statewide offices reported as decided, including attorney general, secretary of state, lieutenant governor, treasurer and controller. The insurance commissioner race between Democrats Jane Kim and state Sen. Ben Allen remained unsettled in a partial-count snapshot. With 51.7% of expected votes counted, Kim led Allen 52% to 48%, and the contest was still too close to call Wednesday afternoon. A separate report later described Kim as the winner, but the supplied accounts do not establish a final certified result. The incoming administration’s policy direction remains a focus for state lawmakers. Becerra has offered few specific details about his plans, and political science professor David McCuan said the...