Thompson loses California seat to Jones

Democratic challenger Eric Jones is projected to win the race for California's 4th Congressional District, ending the tenure of incumbent Representative Mike Thompson. Decision Desk HQ called the race on Thursday, noting that Jones held a lead of more than four percentage points over Thompson.

Thompson, 75, had served 14 terms in the House. He is the only House Democrat to lose a general election this cycle. In contrast, three Democrats lost their seats to Republicans, but those races were left open due to mid-decade redistricting.

Jones, a 35-year-old businessman with no prior office experience, campaigned on themes of fighting corruption and lowering costs. His platform emphasized his personal history of growing up in poverty and attending Yale University on a scholarship. The victory marks a generational shift in the district's representation.

The district, centered in the Napa area of Northern California, was redrawn following a voter-backed effort to counter Republican redistricting in Texas. This change made the area less Democratic, though it remained solidly blue, as it ceded territory to the neighboring 1st Congressional District.

California's top-two primary system allowed the two candidates with the most votes to advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. This structure created a matchup similar to Democratic primary contests seen across the country during the 2026 cycle.

Seven House Democrats lost their nominations this year, with some facing challengers from the Democratic socialist wing. In the 1st Congressional District, Democrat Mike McGuire defeated Republican James Gallagher, completing a sweep of all five seats Democrats attempted to flip through redistricting in the state.