LOS ANGELES (AP) — Several Republican candidates gained ground in updated vote counts in closely fought House districts in Southern California.
In the 50th District anchored in San Diego County, Republican former Rep. Darrell Issa padded his lead to more than 16,000 votes. The district was previously held by Republican Duncan Hunter, who resigned after pleading guilty to conspiracy to misuse campaign funds for personal use.
As of Friday afternoon, Issa led Democratic challenger Ammar Campa-Najjar 146,398 to 130,226 votes, with 66% of precincts reporting.
Republicans are trying to recapture some of the seven districts the party lost to Democrats in 2018.
Republican Rep. Mike Garcia in the 25th District north of Los Angeles was trailing Democrat Christy Smith but Thursday's vote count update gave him a slight edge.
In the 48th District in Orange County, Republican Michelle Steel added about 2,000 votes to her lead over Democratic Rep. Harley Rouda.
