Both parties have gotten their preferred nominees in two top-targeted California House races.
Former Rep. Doug Ose (R-Calif.) has advanced to face Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) this fall, the outcome Republicans were hoping for, while former Hill staffer Amanda Renteria (D) advanced to face Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.). Both districts are competitive.
{mosads}The Associated Press has called the races.
Ose, a wealthy centrist former congressman, served three terms in the House until about a decade ago, leaving under a self-imposed term limits pledge.
National Republicans hope that with Ose as their nominee they can compete for Bera’s seat in the slightly Democratic-leaning district.
Democrats are bullish about Renteria as well. She defeated businessman John Hernandez (D), who had beaten national Democrats’ favored candidate in the district two years ago before losing badly to Valadao in the fall.
Beekeeper Michael Eggman (D) also advanced to face Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) in a race Democrats hope they can make competitive.
Former San Diego City Council member Carl DeMaio (R) advanced, as expected, to face Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) in what will likely be a marquee House battle.
California state Sen. Brian Nestande (R) and California state Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (R) advanced to face Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), respectively. Brownley and Ruiz are freshmen in potentially competitive districts.
— This post was last updated at 3:10 a.m.