Democrat George Whitesides is projected to defeat two-term Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.), according to Decision Desk HQ — dealing a blow to Republicans’ hopes of keeping the House.
Whitesides, the former Virgin Galactic CEO who also served as NASA chief of staff during the Obama administration, won California’s 27th Congressional District, a northern Los Angeles-area House seat.
Garcia’s defeat is notable because California’s 27th District was seen as a key pickup opportunity for Democrats. President Biden defeated former President Trump there by 12 points in 2020.
California — along with New York — shaped up as the two battlegrounds key to determining control of the House.
