Rep. Young Kim acknowledged her defeat Monday to fellow Republican Rep. Ken Calvert in the contest for California’s 40th Congressional District, which includes portions of Orange and Riverside counties.
Kim, R-Anaheim Hills, congratulated Calvert in a statement released Monday night, wishing him well as he continues representing the district.
“I want to congratulate Congressman Ken Calvert on his victory,” Kim said. “I wish him the very best as he continues representing our communities.”
Kim criticized California’s redistricting process, saying it forced two Republican members of Congress to compete against each other.
“It is unfortunate that Gavin Newsom’s political redistricting scheme forced two Republican members of Congress into this race,” Kim said. “It is unfortunate that Gavin Newsom’s political redistricting scheme forced two Republican members of Congress into this race, but I am proud of the record we built, delivering results for our communities, working to secure our country at home and abroad, strengthening our economy, and make life safer and more affordable for California families.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I thank the people of Southern California for allowing me that privilege.”
Calvert, R-Corona, led Kim 53.6% to 46.4%, or 98,455 votes to 85,145, according to results released Monday night by the California Secretary of State’s Office.
He declared victory Thursday night, saying the outcome was clear despite election officials continuing to count ballots.
“Thank you, Riverside and Orange Counties. Election officials are still counting ballots, but the outcome of this race is clear. We won,” Calvert said in a statement. “This is home. I’ve lived my entire life here, and there is no greater honor than serving my neighbors and our communities in Congress.”
Calvert, 73, was first elected to Congress in 1992 and has represented the region for more than three decades.
Kim, 64, was first elected to Congress in 2020. Previously she spent 21 years on the staff of former Rep. Ed Royce, serving during his tenures in the state Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. She also served two years in the California Assembly.
Born in South Korea, Kim referenced her immigrant experience in her statement, describing her congressional service as one of the greatest honors of her life.
“As an immigrant who came to the United States in pursuit of the American dream, serving this nation in Congress has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said.
Kim thanked her family, campaign volunteers, supporters and constituents for their backing throughout her political career.
“It has been a privilege to give back to the community that has given me so much,” she said.
Kim was among 30 Republican incumbents to lose House races in the midterm election last week.
California voters passed Proposition 50 last year to allow redistricting, which forced the contest between Calvert and Kim.
