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
-
Column - State of InequalityMay 21, 2026In California Governor’s Race, Xavier Becerra Walks Away From Single-Payer
-
Latest NewsMay 22, 2026Where California’s Gubernatorial Candidates Stand on Climate and Taking Big Oil Money
-
The SlickMay 20, 202670-Foot Wastewater Geyser Reflects New Mexico’s Latest Oilfield Challenge
-
The SlickMay 29, 2026Feds to Open Tens of Thousands of Acres of Colorado Wilderness to Oil Drilling
-
Latest NewsMay 18, 2026Budget Cuts Threaten Program That Doubles Food Dollars for Californians in Need
-
Deadly Dust: The Silicosis EpidemicMay 27, 2026California Moves to Ban Quartz Countertop Fabrication to Combat Silicosis Epidemic
-
Latest NewsMay 26, 2026Conditions at California ICE Detention Centers Are Getting Worse, Inspections Find
-
Imperial DivideJune 3, 2026California’s Lithium Valley Dreams Meet Reality at the Only Restaurant in Town

