SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. — Ballots continue to be counted in California, and competitive House seats are still up for grabs.
DISTRICT 9
In California’s 9th District, two San Joaquin County natives - Congressman Josh Harder and Kevin Lincoln - are in a close showdown to represent the rural district.
Harder (D) is the current representative for the area representing Stockton, Manteca, Tracy and Lodi. Harder clashed with Republican and San Joaquin County Supervisor Tom Patti in 2022, taking nearly 55% of the vote.
"It's too early to know the final results, but we are feeling optimistic with the early returns. It's important that every ballot is counted and we look forward to sharing additional information as we learn more," Harder said in a statement.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, Harder held a slight 2,000-vote lead over Lincoln.
“[Voters] are the ones who choose who represents them, and if they choose to hire me, I’m committed to representing everyone in this Congressional district,” Lincoln told ABC10 at his watch party.
► Hear from Kevin Lincoln
► Hear from Josh Harder
DISTRICT 13
Another Central Valley House race is also coming down to the wire: the rematch between Congressman John Duarte and Adam Gray for the state’s 13th Congressional district seat.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, Duarte holds a little over 3,000-vote lead over Gray. In 2022, they had one of the closest races in the country, and Duarte emerged victorious with only 564 more votes.
Duarte is often listed among the most vulnerable House Republicans, given his narrow margin of victory. Another factor is the district’s Democratic tilt — about 11 points over registered Republicans.
Both candidates stressed bipartisan credentials in their campaigns.
Duarte, a businessman and major grape and almond farmer, said his priorities include curbing inflation, crime rates and obtaining adequate water supplies for farmers in the drought-prone state.
Gray, a former legislator, has been critical of state water management and puts water and agriculture at the top of his issues list. He also says he wants improvements in infrastructure, renewable energy and education.
"While this race is still too early to call, I believe that once every ballot is counted, voters will have rejected John Duarte’s partisan gridlock in favor of accountable and independent leadership," Gray said in a statement.
► Hear from John Duarte
When do we find out who won the election?
While some elections might be called on election night, that's generally a projection from media outlets or experts. Governments don't call elections. Mail-in ballots, provisional ballots, ballots from registered voters in the military deployed overseas and more all get counted for the final result.
The last day for counties to certify results is Dec. 5. The Secretary of State will then have until Dec. 7 to certify the vote, with the Statement of Vote certified on Dec. 13.
