# 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California

Elections in California :
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The 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in California were held on November 4, 2008, to determine who would represent California various congressional districts in the United States House of Representatives. In the 111th Congress, California has 53 seats in the House, apportioned accordingly after the 2000 United States census. Representatives are elected to two-year terms; those elected will serve in the 111th Congress from January 3, 2009, to January 3, 2011. The election coincides with the United States presidential election as well as other elections in California.
According to CQ Politics, the districts considered the most competitive were the 4th and 11th, with the 3rd, 8th, 26th, 46th and 50th as less than safe as well. However, the partisan balance of the state's congressional delegation did not change, despite the strong Democratic dominance during the broader elections.

## Overview

United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Votes | Percentage | Seats | +/– |
| | Democratic | 7,380,825 | 59.90% | 34 | 0 |
| | Republican | 4,515,925 | 36.65% | 19 | 0 |
| | Libertarian | 220,118 | 1.79% | 0 | 0 |
| | Independent | 90,340 | 0.73% | 0 | 0 |
| | Green | 60,926 | 0.49% | 0 | 0 |
| | Peace and Freedom | 47,659 | 0.39% | 0 | 0 |
| | American Independent | 6,286 | 0.05% | 0 | 0 |
| Valid votes | Valid votes | 12,322,079 | 89.66% | — | — |
| Invalid or blank votes | Invalid or blank votes | 1,421,098 | 10.34% | — | — |
| Totals | Totals | 13,743,177 | 100.00% | 53 | — |
| Voter turnout | Voter turnout | 79.42% | 79.42% | | |

## Results

Below are the final official results as reported by the Secretary of State.

### District 1

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 1st congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Mike Thompson (incumbent) | 197,812 | 68.10 |
| | Republican | Zane Starkewolf | 67,853 | 23.36 |
| | Green | Carol Wolman | 24,793 | 8.54 |
| | Green | Pamela Elizondo (write-in) | 14 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 290,472 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 75.99 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 2

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 2nd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Wally Herger (incumbent) | 163,459 | 57.89 |
| | Democratic | Jeffrey Morris | 118,878 | 42.11 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 282,337 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 76.98 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 3

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 3rd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Dan Lungren (incumbent) | 155,424 | 49.49 |
| | Democratic | Bill Durston | 137,971 | 43.93 |
| | Peace and Freedom | Dina Padilla | 13,378 | 4.26 |
| | Libertarian | Douglas Tuma | 7,273 | 2.32 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 314,046 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 76.21 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 4

(map)
* California’s 4th District (New Rating: No Clear Favorite. Previous Rating: Leans Republican) from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
On December 2, 2008, Republican Tom McClintock declared victory over Democrat Charlie Brown in the race in the 4th congressional district. Brown conceded his defeat the next day. The race had been so close that it took four weeks of counting all mailed and provisional ballots before McClintock could be assured of victory.
CQ Politics had forecast the race in this traditionally Republican district as 'No Clear Favorite'. Two polls sponsored by Brown showed Brown in the lead; two polls sponsored by McClintock showed McClintock in the lead.
| Pollster | Dates | Respondents | McClintock | Brown | Other | Undecided |
| Val Smith (R-McClintock) | 10/21-22/08 | 400 likely voters | 49% | 40% | - | - |
| Val Smith (R-McClintock) | 9/22-24/08 | 400 likely voters | 47% | 39% | - | - |
| Benenson Strategy (D-Brown) | 8/21-24/08 | 500 likely voters | 41% | 43% | - | 15% |
| Benenson Strategy (D-Brown) | 5/14-15/08 | 400 likely voters | 40% | 42% | - | 18% |
Charlie Brown is a retired Air Force officer who first ran for this seat in 2006, losing to incumbent John Doolittle by three percent of the vote. Brown announced in February 2007 that he would run again in 2008. Doolittle's prospects for reelection suffered because of a federal investigation into his alleged ties to Jack Abramoff. In April 2007, the FBI raided Doolittle's Virginia home. Doolittle denies all wrongdoing, and has not been charged with any crime. On January 10, 2008, Doolittle announced that he would finish his term but not run for re-election.
On March 4, 2008, State Senator Tom McClintock of Thousand Oaks officially launched his campaign for this district at the Placer County Courthouse in Auburn. McClintock received immediate endorsements from local and state Republicans, including State Senator Sam Aanasted, State Assemblyman Ted Gaines, State Assemblyman Rick Keene, Auburn City Councilman Kevin Hanley, Yuba County Supervisor Dan Logue, and Nevada County Supervisor Sue Horne.
Brown was endorsed by Senator Max Cleland, former General Wesley Clark, former Republican Congressman Pete McCloskey, Senator Jim Webb of Virginia, and many veterans' groups including the Veterans' Alliance for Security and Democracy and VoteVets.org.
In the primary election on June 3, 2008, Tom McClintock won the Republican primary with 54% of the vote ahead of Doug Ose, Suzanne Jones, and Theodore Terbolizard, in that order. Other Republican candidates had withdrawn from the race and thus did not appear on the ballot, including Rico Oller, Eric Egland, and Auburn City Councilman Mike Holmes.
Charlie Brown won the Democratic primary with 88% of the vote, ahead of John "Wolf" Wolfgram, who had little financial support.
California's 4th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Tom McClintock | 185,790 | 50.24 |
| | Democratic | Charles Brown | 183,990 | 49.76 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 369,780 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 82.07 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 5

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 5th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Doris Matsui (incumbent) | 164,242 | 74.27 |
| | Republican | Paul Smith | 46,002 | 20.80 |
| | Peace and Freedom | Linda Roberts | 10,731 | 4.85 |
| | Independent | David Lynch (write-in) | 180 | 0.08 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 221,155 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 70.93 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 6

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 6th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Lynn Woolsey (incumbent) | 229,672 | 71.69 |
| | Republican | Mike Halliwell | 77,073 | 24.06 |
| | Libertarian | Joel Smolen | 13,617 | 4.25 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 320,362 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 87.80 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 7

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 7th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | George Miller (incumbent) | 170,962 | 72.82 |
| | Republican | Roger Petersen | 51,166 | 21.79 |
| | Peace and Freedom | William Callison | 6,695 | 2.85 |
| | Libertarian | Camden McConnell | 5,950 | 2.53 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 234,773 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 79.02 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 8

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
* San Francisco's Green Party endorses Cindy Sheehan in bid against Speaker Pelosi
The eighth congressional district has been represented by Democrat Nancy Pelosi since 1993, when the area was redistricted from the 5th congressional district. Pelosi, who is Speaker of the House, is considered safe for re-election, but Iraq War activist Cindy Sheehan announced that she would consider running against Pelosi if Pelosi did not put in an article of impeachment against President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. She qualified for the ballot as an independent candidate and was endorsed by the Peace and Freedom Party.
California's 8th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (incumbent) | 204,996 | 71.87 |
| | Independent | Cindy Sheehan | 46,118 | 16.17 |
| | Republican | Dana Walsh | 27,614 | 9.68 |
| | Libertarian | Philip Berg | 6,504 | 2.28 |
| | Independent | Lea Sherman (write-in) | 11 | 0.00 |
| | Independent | Michelle Clay (write-in) | 4 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 285,247 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 73.15 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 9

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 9th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Barbara Lee (incumbent) | 238,915 | 86.06 |
| | Republican | Charles Hargrave | 26,917 | 9.70 |
| | Libertarian | James Eyer | 11,704 | 4.22 |
| | Green | David Heller (write-in) | 37 | 0.01 |
| | Republican | Christopher Kula (write-in) | 27 | 0.01 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 277,600 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 72.10 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 10

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 10th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Ellen Tauscher (incumbent) | 192,226 | 65.12 |
| | Republican | Nicholas Gerber | 91,877 | 31.13 |
| | Peace and Freedom | Eugene Ruyle | 11,062 | 3.75 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 295,165 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 79.75 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 11

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 11th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jerry McNerney (incumbent) | 164,500 | 55.27 |
| | Republican | Dean Andal | 133,104 | 44.72 |
| | American Independent | David Christensen (write-in) | 12 | 0.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 297,616 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 78.53 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 12

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 12th congressional district is represented by Democrat Jackie Speier. She won a special election months before the general election to replace Tom Lantos, who represented the district from 1981 until his death due to esophageal cancer at the age of 80 in 2008. Lantos had announced that he would not seek re-election due to his declining health. This overwhelmingly Democratic district comprises mainly northern San Mateo County and the Sunset area of San Francisco.
California's 12th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jackie Speier (incumbent) | 200,442 | 75.11 |
| | Republican | Greg Conlon | 49,258 | 18.46 |
| | Peace and Freedom | Nathalie Hrizi | 5,793 | 2.17 |
| | Green | Barry Hermanson | 5,776 | 2.16 |
| | Libertarian | Kevin Peterson | 5,584 | 2.09 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 266,853 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 72.73 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 13

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 13th congressional district has been represented by Democrat Pete Stark since 1973. Often regarded as the most liberal member of Congress (and its only atheist), Stark ran for re-election and was unopposed for the Democratic nomination. His overwhelmingly Democratic district is centered in the East Bay and includes Hayward.
California's 13th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Pete Stark (incumbent) | 166,829 | 76.43 |
| | Republican | Raymond Chui | 51,447 | 23.57 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 218,276 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 70.72 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 14

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 14th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Anna Eshoo (incumbent) | 190,301 | 69.77 |
| | Republican | Ronny Santana | 60,610 | 22.22 |
| | Libertarian | Brian Holtz | 11,929 | 4.37 |
| | Green | Carol Brouillet | 9,926 | 3.64 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 272,766 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 78.46 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 15

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 15th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Mike Honda (incumbent) | 170,977 | 71.66 |
| | Republican | Joyce Cordi | 55,489 | 23.26 |
| | Green | Peter Myers | 12,123 | 5.08 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 238,589 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 78.78 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 16

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 16th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Zoe Lofgren (incumbent) | 146,481 | 71.34 |
| | Republican | Charel Winston | 49,399 | 24.06 |
| | Libertarian | Steven Wells | 9,447 | 4.60 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 205,327 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 75.75 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 17

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 17th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Farr (incumbent) | 168,907 | 73.88 |
| | Republican | Jeff Taylor | 59,037 | 25.82 |
| | Independent | Peter Andresen (write-in) | 682 | 0.30 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 228,626 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 79.72 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 18

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 18th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Dennis Cardoza (incumbent) | 130,192 | 100.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 130,192 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 48.61 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 19

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 19th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | George Radanovich (incumbent) | 179,245 | 98.43 |
| | Democratic | Peter Leinau (write-in) | 2,490 | 1.37 |
| | Independent | Phil Rockey (write-in) | 366 | 0.20 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 182,101 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 51.19 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 20

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 20th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jim Costa (incumbent) | 93,023 | 74.33 |
| | Republican | Jim Lopez | 32,118 | 25.67 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 125,141 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 60.55 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 21

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 21st congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Devin Nunes (incumbent) | 143,498 | 68.39 |
| | Democratic | Larry Johnson | 66,317 | 31.61 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 209,815 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 69.40 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 22

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 22nd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Kevin McCarthy (incumbent) | 224,549 | 100.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 224,549 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 61.56 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 23

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 23rd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Lois Capps (incumbent) | 171,403 | 68.07 |
| | Republican | Matt Kokkonen | 80,385 | 31.93 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 251,788 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 77.41 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 24

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California's 24th congressional district has been represented by Republican Elton Gallegly since 1987. Although he had claimed that his 2006 campaign would be his last, Gallegly has announced that he intends to seek another term in 2008. Republican State Senator Tom McClintock, who has name statewide recognition from his several statewide campaigns, would have considered the likely frontrunner were there an open seat but moved to an open seat in Northern California's 4th District in 2008. McClintock had been an intra-party rival to Gallegly, who had hoped to have a political ally nominated to succeed him. Bush won 55% here in 2004.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 24th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Elton Gallegly (incumbent) | 174,492 | 58.15 |
| | Democratic | Marta Jorgensen | 125,560 | 41.85 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 300,052 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 77.30 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 25

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 25th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Howard McKeon (incumbent) | 144,660 | 57.73 |
| | Democratic | Jackie Conaway | 105,929 | 42.27 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 250,589 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 72.24 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 26

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
* Dreier (R-i) vs Warner (D) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com
California's 26th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | David Dreier (incumbent) | 140,615 | 52.64 |
| | Democratic | Russ Warner | 108,039 | 40.44 |
| | Libertarian | Ted Brown | 18,476 | 6.92 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 267,130 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 72.22 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 27

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 27th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Brad Sherman (incumbent) | 145,812 | 68.51 |
| | Republican | Navraj Singh | 52,852 | 24.83 |
| | Libertarian | Tim Denton | 14,171 | 6.66 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 212,835 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 70.78 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 28

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 28th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Howard Berman (incumbent) | 137,471 | 99.89 |
| | Independent | Michael Koch (write-in) | 150 | 0.11 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 137,621 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 55.68 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 29

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 29th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Adam Schiff (incumbent) | 146,198 | 68.91 |
| | Republican | Charles Hahn | 56,727 | 26.74 |
| | Libertarian | Alan Pyeatt | 9,219 | 4.35 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 212,144 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 68.57 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 30

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 30th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Henry Waxman (incumbent) | 242,792 | 100.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 242,792 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 58.37 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 31

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 31st congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Xavier Becerra (incumbent) | 110,955 | 100.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 110,955 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 57.69 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 32

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 32nd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Hilda Solis (incumbent) | 130,142 | 99.99 |
| | Independent | Innocent Osunwa (write-in) | 8 | 0.01 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 130,150 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 53.65 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 33

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 33rd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Diane Watson (incumbent) | 186,924 | 87.57 |
| | Republican | David Crowley | 26,536 | 12.43 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 213,460 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 70.19 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 34

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 34th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Lucille Roybal-Allard (incumbent) | 98,503 | 77.09 |
| | Republican | Christopher Balding | 29,266 | 22.91 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 127,769 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 63.68 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 35

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 35th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Maxine Waters (incumbent) | 150,778 | 82.58 |
| | Republican | Ted Hayes | 24,169 | 13.24 |
| | Libertarian | Herb Peters | 7,632 | 4.18 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 182,579 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 69.73 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 36

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 36th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jane Harman (incumbent) | 171,948 | 68.64 |
| | Republican | Brian Gibson | 78,543 | 31.36 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 250,491 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 74.36 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 37

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This district has been represented by Democrat Laura Richardson since winning a special election on August 21, 2007, that was called after Democrat Juanita Millender-McDonald died of cancer. The staunchly Democratic district includes Compton, some of south-central Los Angeles and much of Long Beach.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 37th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Laura Richardson (incumbent) | 131,342 | 74.94 |
| | Independent | Nicholas Dibs | 42,774 | 24.41 |
| | Democratic | Peter Mathews (write-in) | 600 | 0.34 |
| | Republican | June Pouesi (write-in) | 526 | 0.30 |
| | Democratic | Lee Davis (write-in) | 10 | 0.01 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 175,252 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 63.24 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 38

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California's 38th congressional district has been represented by Democrat Grace Napolitano since 1999. Napolitano's heavily Democratic east Los Angeles-based district is a largely Hispanic one that includes Montebello, Pico Rivera, La Puente, and part of Norwalk.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 38th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Grace Napolitano (incumbent) | 130,211 | 81.73 |
| | Libertarian | Christopher Agrella | 29,113 | 18.27 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 159,324 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 63.74 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 39

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 39th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Linda Sánchez (incumbent) | 125,289 | 69.67 |
| | Republican | Diane Lenning | 54,533 | 30.33 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 179,822 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 68.28 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 40

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 40th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Ed Royce (incumbent) | 144,923 | 62.55 |
| | Democratic | Christina Avalos | 86,772 | 37.45 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 231,695 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 67.40 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 41

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California's 41st congressional district has been represented by Republican Jerry Lewis since 1979. Lewis served as the chair of the House Appropriations Committee when Republicans controlled the House. Lewis, who will be 74 in 2008, has come under investigation for connections to the Copeland Lowery lobbying firm. In spite of speculation that he would retire, Lewis announced he would seek reelection on August 31. Bush won 62% here in 2004.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 41st congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Jerry Lewis (incumbent) | 159,486 | 61.65 |
| | Democratic | Tim Prince | 99,214 | 38.35 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 258,700 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 71.43 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 42

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California's 42nd congressional district is one of the most conservative districts in the state, and has been represented by Republican Gary Miller since 1999. Before the election, Miller suffered bad press, with four ex-aides accusing him of conflict-of-interest and using his position to profit from the sale of personal land holdings.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 42nd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Gary Miller (incumbent) | 158,404 | 60.16 |
| | Democratic | Ed Chau | 104,909 | 39.84 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 263,313 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 70.77 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 43

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 43rd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joe Baca (incumbent) | 108,259 | 69.14 |
| | Republican | John Roberts | 48,312 | 30.86 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 156,571 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 63.37 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 44

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 44th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Ken Calvert (incumbent) | 129,937 | 51.19 |
| | Democratic | Bill Hedrick | 123,890 | 48.81 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 253,827 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 72.61 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 45

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 45th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Mary Bono Mack (incumbent) | 155,166 | 58.29 |
| | Democratic | Julie Bornstein | 111,026 | 41.71 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 266,192 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 74.36 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 46

(map)
Republican Dana Rohrabacher's district (which includes the Southern Channel Islands, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and parts of Orange County) has been a Republican stronghold in recent years. Huntington Beach mayor Debbie Cook was the (Democratic) challenger.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 46th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Dana Rohrabacher (incumbent) | 149,818 | 52.52 |
| | Democratic | Debbie Cook | 122,891 | 43.08 |
| | Green | Thomas Lash | 8,257 | 2.89 |
| | Libertarian | Ernst Gasteiger | 4,311 | 1.51 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 285,277 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 70.10 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 47

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California's 47th congressional district was represented by Democrat Loretta Sanchez since 1997. Sanchez won 62% of the vote in a district that barely went to George W. Bush with around 50% to 49% in 2004, which could have resulted in an opening for Republicans, who had not recruited a strong candidate in years. This year, Republican Rosie Avila hoped to oust Sanchez. However, Sanchez's district is located in one of the more Democratic areas of Orange County, including Anaheim and Santa Ana, and Al Gore won this district in 2000 by a comfortable margin.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 47th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Loretta Sanchez (incumbent) | 85,878 | 69.49 |
| | Republican | Rosemarie Avila | 31,432 | 25.43 |
| | American Independent | Robert Lauten | 6,274 | 5.08 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 123,584 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 57.01 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 48

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 48th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John Campbell (incumbent) | 171,658 | 55.61 |
| | Democratic | Steve Young | 125,537 | 40.67 |
| | Libertarian | Don Patterson | 11,507 | 3.73 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 308,702 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 70.17 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 49

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 49th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Darrell Issa (incumbent) | 140,300 | 58.30 |
| | Democratic | Robert Hamilton | 90,138 | 37.45 |
| | Libertarian | Lars Grossmith | 10,232 | 4.25 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 240,670 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 76.19 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 50

(map)
California's 50th congressional district has been represented by Republican Brian Bilbray since 2006. Bilbray won 53% of the vote in a Republican-leaning district north of San Diego that was previously represented by the scandal-plagued Duke Cunningham (R). George W. Bush won 54% here in 2004. Nick Leibham won against Cheryl Ede in the Democratic primary. CQ Politics forecasts the race as 'Safe Republican'.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
* Bilbray (R-i) vs Leibham (D) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com
California's 50th congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Brian Bilbray (incumbent) | 157,502 | 50.24 |
| | Democratic | Nick Leibham | 141,635 | 45.18 |
| | Libertarian | Wayne Dunlap | 14,365 | 4.58 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 313,502 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 80.15 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 51

(map)
The congressional district has been held by Bob Filner, who formerly represented the 50th, since its inception following the 1992 redistricting. The district was redrawn following the 2000 census, creating a gerrymandered district boundary. Democratic incumbent Bob Filner of San Diego is seeking reelection and is being challenged by Republican businessman David Lee Joy of Spring Valley. The Libertarian candidate is musician and software systems engineer Dan "Frodo" Litwin of San Diego.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 51st congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Bob Filner (incumbent) | 148,281 | 72.75 |
| | Republican | David Joy | 49,345 | 24.21 |
| | Libertarian | Dan Litwin | 6,199 | 3.04 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 203,825 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 69.06 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |

### District 52

(map)
This race is for an open seat, being vacated by former Republican presidential candidate Duncan Hunter. Both Democratic and Republican candidates are OIF veterans. The Libertarian candidate is 2002 congressional candidate Mike Benoit.
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 52nd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Duncan D. Hunter | 160,724 | 56.37 |
| | Democratic | Mike Lumpkin | 111,051 | 38.95 |
| | Libertarian | Michael Benoit | 13,316 | 4.67 |
| | Independent | Joseph Ryan (write-in) | 47 | 0.02 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 285,138 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 79.48 |
| | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold | Republican hold |

### District 53

(map)
* Race ranking and details from CQ Politics
* Campaign contributions from OpenSecrets
California's 53rd congressional district election, 2008 :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Susan Davis (incumbent) | 161,315 | 68.49 |
| | Republican | Michael Crimmins | 64,658 | 27.45 |
| | Libertarian | Edward Teyssier | 9,569 | 4.06 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 235,542 | 100.00 |
| Turnout | Turnout | Turnout | | 72.72 |
| | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold | Democratic hold |