Democratic challenger Eric Jones was holding a narrow lead over veteran Congressman Mike Thompson as the result of California’s 4th Congressional District race remained unresolved almost a week after the 3 November midterm election.
With about 66% of ballots counted, Mr Jones had 52.2% of the vote to Mr Thompson’s 47.7% — a margin of roughly 7,900 votes. The contest is being closely watched as a test of generational change within the Democratic Party.
The district covers Napa and Lake counties, as well as parts of Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties. It is predominantly rural, meaning officials have faced a substantial volume of ballots to process across a wide geographical area.
California congressional race remains too close to call
Mr Jones, a 35-year-old former venture capitalist and nonprofit executive, said he was confident that later-counted ballots would strengthen his position.
“Our numbers show we’re going to win this thing,” he said, arguing that his campaign had built support among young people, diverse communities, working families and independent-minded voters.
“Those voters, they tend to vote a bit later,” he added.
Mr Jones has presented his campaign as a challenge to the established political order, while also saying that elected Democrats must deliver practical results on issues affecting people’s everyday lives.
Mr Thompson, 75, was first elected to Congress in 1998 and is seeking a 15th term. He was attending the first day of the legislative session’s reconvening and was not immediately available to respond to the latest figures.
Before polling day, however, the incumbent made clear that he was not taking the challenge lightly.
“My theory has always been: there’s only two ways to run, either unopposed or you’re 10 points down,” Mr Thompson said. “I’m not gonna rest on my laurels because I did so well in the primary. I’m gonna run right through the tape on Tuesday.”
The campaign has also exposed a divide over age and experience. Mr Thompson has pointed to his record in Congress and federal funding secured for the region, while Mr Jones has argued that the district needs younger representation and a fresh approach.
Voters in Santa Rosa offered contrasting views. Ann Wolfe said she was surprised by the strength of the challenge to Mr Thompson, suggesting his age could be a factor, while Charlie Wolfe said he would be disappointed if the incumbent lost after what he described as years of effective service.
Others said they believed the district was ready for a change.
“Having the younger folks coming and voting for the younger crew, I think they want to have a change,” voter Lisa Buchold said.
Allyson Marty similarly said Mr Thompson had been in Congress for a long time and that the area needed “younger blood”.
California election officials have until 3 December to complete and submit the official certifications for the five counties included in the district. Until then, the outcome of the closely fought Democratic contest remains unsettled.
