Matchups in competitive congressional races

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek) vs. Kim Vann (R)

Democrats’ relatively slim 9-point registration advantage made the 3^rd District an attractive target for Republicans. More than three-fourths of voters there are new to Garamendi.

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Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) vs. Ami Bera (D)

Outside groups have spent more in this 7th District race than the candidates together have raised. Registration is nearly evenly divided.

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CENTRAL VALLEY

Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) vs. Ricky Gill (R)

Young law school graduate Gill’s impressive fundraising boosted Republican hopes in the 9^th District, which tilts Democratic.

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Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Modesto) vs. Jose Hernandez (D)

Democratic leaders encouraged former NASA astronaut Hernandez to run in the 10^th District. Both parties have spent lavishly here.

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CENTRAL COAST

Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) vs. Abel Maldonado (R)

National Republicans lined up early behind former lieutenant governor and legislator Maldonado. The newly drawn 24^th District put the popular Capps in a rare fight.

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

Assemblywoman Julia Brownley (D-Oak Park) vs. state Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Moorpark)

This contest in Ventura County is a classic two-party dustup. The district is the 26th.

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Gary DeLong (R) vs. state Sen. Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach)

Democrats have an 13-point registration edge in the 47^th District, which stretches from Long Beach into Orange County. Republicans hope DeLong’s moderate views will attract nonpartisan voters.

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Rep. Brian P. Bilbray (R-Carlsbad) vs. Scott Peters (D)

Both parties and some well-heeled outside interests are battling hard over the 52^nd District in San Diego County. More than a quarter of voters are unaffiliated.

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INLAND EMPIRE

Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Palm Springs) vs. Raul Ruiz (D)

Shifting demographics have given Democrats hope of unseating Bono Mack in the GOP-leaning 36^th District, where registration is nearly evenly divided.

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Mark Takano (D) vs. John Tavaglione (R)

National Republicans are betting on the moderate Tavaglione, a county supervisor, in the 41st District, even though Democrats have a slim membership edge.

Source: California secretary of state’s office, Times reporting