Republicans Ken Calvert and Young Kim in tough race for California’s 40th District over who’s more loyal to President Trump

Thanks to Prop. 50, Republicans Ken Calvert and Young Kim are in an all-out fight with each other to keep their jobs. One week from the California primary, the focus of that fight is who’s more loyal to President Trump.

That’s reflected in both of their campaign ads.

Calvert been in Congress for over 33 years and redistricting drew him out of his district, the 41st. But, parts of the Inland Empire he’s represented previously are now part of the 40th District, which Young Kim represents.

The race has turned nasty.

“Trump-traitor Young Kim. A liberal and a liar,” says one of Calvert’s ads.

“You would think he would be running on his own record. But if you don’t have anything to show for it, you start from very early on attacking your opponent, smearing my record, my name. I guess that’s what they do when they are not proud of your record,” said Congresswoman Kim.

“Those are positions she’s taken in the last few months in order to run against me. Look, I’ve been around for a long time. People know my positions on issues. I’ve been one of the leaders on stopping illegal immigration in the United States,” said Calvert.

Even as Trump’s popularity has slipped with the war in Iran and climbing consumer prices, both candidates believe the re-drawn district still leans republican, which is why they’re highlighting their support of the president.

“It didn’t take me 30 years to really identify the needs of my community, and really focus on securing the border, support our local law enforcement, and really change our country in the right direction. I work very closely with President Trump,” said Kim.

“I’m at the height of my influence. I chair the Defense Appropriations Committee. I technically control over half the discretionary spending of the United States, all the military forces, all the intelligence operations of the Unites States. I also have been able to deliver more money back to California than any member of Congress in the history of California,” said Calvert.

The top two finishers in this race will move on past June and it could be Young Kim and Ken Calvert again – which would certainly become and even more negative race than it already is.

Or, a Democrat could sneak in to face Kim or Calvert with the two Republicans splitting votes.