Mike Garcia Faces Tight Race in California’s 27th Congressional District

Republican Rep. Mike Garcia is in a closely contested race to retain his seat in California‘s 27th Congressional District against Democratic challenger George Whitesides. The district, located in northern Los Angeles County, includes the cities of Lancaster, Palmdale, and Santa Clarita, and has seen a shift towards more balanced political leanings in recent years.

Garcia, a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot, has held the seat since winning a special election in 2020 and was reelected in 2022 after the district was redrawn. He is known for his relatively moderate stance within the Republican Party and has emphasized his focus on national security and the interests of the country.

George Whitesides, the Democratic challenger, brings a diverse background, having served as the chief of staff for NASA under the Obama administration and as the first CEO of Virgin Galactic. Whitesides has highlighted his experience in job creation and his support for issues such as reproductive freedom, immigration, and social security.

The race is considered one of the most competitive in California, with polling indicating a virtual tie between the two candidates. Despite Democrats holding a significant voter registration advantage in the district (41% Democrats vs. 30% Republicans), the voting record has trended more purple in recent elections.

Garcia has criticized policies coming out of Sacramento, arguing they are detrimental to taxpayers and business owners, while Whitesides has emphasized his ability to support small business owners and address key national issues.