Blue State/Red District
Blue State, Red District: Investigating California’s Conflicted Constituencies
Our Blue State/Red District series investigates seven red districts that returned GOP incumbents to the House but voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016, and the policy rifts between congressional representatives and their constituents.
In 2016, California’s 14 Republican-held congressional districts returned all GOP incumbents to the House of Representatives. However, majorities in seven of those districts chose Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump for president. The districts were located in places long associated with rock-ribbed conservatism: The High Desert, Orange County, interior San Diego County and the Central Valley.
Our Blue State/Red District series investigates those seven red districts, the challenges shaping their destinies and the policy rifts between congressional representatives and their constituents. Our reporters spoke to residents, both Republican and Democrat, to learn which issues they consider important as well as which may be flying under the radar — but could have profound effects on American politics.
CA 49 (Northern and Central San Diego County) — Kelly Candaele. Co-published by International Business Times.
CA 48 (Coastal Orange County) — Judith Lewis Mernit. Co-published by The American Prospect.
CA 10 (Central Valley) — Larry Buhl. Co-published by International Business Times.
CA 25 (High Desert) — Steve Appleford. Co-published by International Business Times.
CA 21 (San Joaquin Valley) — Larry Buhl.
CA 45 (Orange County) — Judith Lewis Mernit. Co-published by International Business Times.
CA 4 (The Gold Country) — Kelly Candaele.
Copyright Capital & Main
-
The SlickJanuary 23, 2026Yes, the Energy Transition Is Coming. But ‘Probably Not’ in Our Lifetime.
-
The SlickJanuary 27, 2026The One Big Beautiful Prediction: The Energy Transition Is Still Alive
-
Column - State of InequalityJanuary 29, 2026Are California’s Billionaires Crying Wolf?
-
Latest NewsFebruary 3, 2026Amid the Violent Minnesota Raids, ICE Arrests Over 100 Refugees, Ships Many to Texas
-
Dirty MoneyJanuary 30, 2026Amid Climate Crisis, Insurers’ Increased Use of AI Raises Concern For Policyholders
-
Featured VideoFebruary 4, 2026Protesters Turn to Economic Disruption to Fight ICE
-
The SlickFebruary 2, 2026Colorado May Ask Big Oil to Leave Millions of Dollars in the Ground
-
Column - State of InequalityFebruary 5, 2026Lawsuits Push Back on Trump’s Attack on Child Care