Rep. Josh Harder won the congressional race in California’s 9th District, defeating Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln with 52% of the vote. This victory maintains the Democratic hold in a district that includes most of San Joaquin County, despite predictions of a close contest. Harder, who has served since 2019, declared victory while Lincoln conceded shortly after the results came in.
In a significant electoral event, Representative Josh Harder, a Democrat from Tracy, California, successfully defeated Republican challenger and Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln in the race for California’s 9th Congressional District. According to projections by the Associated Press, Harder garnered 52% of the votes, while Lincoln received 48%, with around 94% of ballots counted by Friday afternoon. Following this decisive outcome, Harder has asserted his victory while Lincoln has conceded, marking a continuation of Democratic representation in the district.
The 9th Congressional District, which predominantly encompasses Stockton and most of San Joaquin County, has been historically friendly to Democratic candidates, despite recent attempts by Republicans to strengthen their foothold. The district has seen significant changes following redistricting influenced by the 2020 census, prompting Harder, who has served since 2019 and previously won by a substantial margin, to reposition in a newly drawn constituency after the retirement of long-time Democrat Jerry McNerney. His challenger, Lincoln, while a fresh face in politics, brought a military background and local governance experience to the race, further complicating the dynamics of this election.
The victory of Josh Harder over Kevin Lincoln is a notable affirmation of Democratic strength in a district that has shown resilience against Republican challenges, particularly given the recent political climate. Harder’s re-election not only consolidates Democratic control but also reflects the ongoing interest and engagement of constituents in local governance. As both parties prepare for the new Congress, the results from the 9th District will likely have implications for future electoral strategies throughout California.
Original Source: www.sacbee.com
