Democratic Rep. Josh Harder and Republican challenger Kevin Lincoln are facing off in California's closely watched 9th Congressional District race, competing for a San Joaquin Valley seat that could help tip control of the U.

Rep. Josh Harder, D-Tracy, was leading his Republican challenger in California’s 9th Congressional District on Tuesday night, according to the Associated Press, as early returns came in. Harder, a member of Congress since 2019, faced Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Republican, in a race that analysts predicted might become close.

Kiley, a freshman congressman, faced Democrat Jessica Morse, a wildfire mitigation expert, in this district that nonpartisan election analysts said would likely select a Republican this year. Kiley had 53% of the votes with 31% of them counted as of 8:15 p.