Incumbent House Dems representing California and candidates challenging sitting Republicans in swingy Golden State districts tell Punchbowl they’re feeling pretty damn good about their chances in November with native daughter former Attorney General and Senator, now-Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ballot in November, with Congressman Mike Levin saying he’s “seen a dramatic increase in energy, enthusiasm, support in my district. Especially among the millennials and the Gen Zers. California Democrats are thrilled to have a California Democrat on the ticket.”
A Dem consultant in the state says Republicans are “going to try and tie people to Kamala. That’s not as scary of a proposition in California, where folks are already familiar with her, There’s just a comfortability factor there across the board.” Derek Tran, the Dem running to replace incumbent CA-45 Republican Michelle Steele, says he’s opened up a second campaign office to capitalize on the enthusiasm for Harris. Dem former federal prosecutor Will Rollins, now in his second bid to unseat 41st District Republican Ken Calvert after a 52 to 48 percent loss in 2022, said “It’s a great parallel to have a fellow prosecutor at the top of the ticket. That contrast against a convicted felon, and frankly my own opponent… is something that energizes people in our community.”