Former President Donald Trump called Ken Calvert “a leader on National Security.”

CORONA — Republican Rep. Ken Calvert, the longest-serving Republican in the California congressional delegation is likely headed to another term, according to a call the Associated Press made Monday night.

Despite a tough battle due to redistricting, the longest-serving Republican in the California congressional delegation is likely headed to another term. His 41st Congressional District includes Canyon Lake, Indian Wells, Lake Elsinore, La Quinta, Menifee, Norco, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Wildomar, and portions of Corona, Eastvale and Riverside.

Former federal prosecutor Will Rollins garnered 85,726 votes compared to Calvert’s 91,215, according to the Monday night update from the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.

The incumbent’s narrow lead over the challenger — 51.55% of the vote compared to 48.45% — was enough for the AP to make the projection, despite ongoing ballot counting in Riverside County.

Approximately 84,000 Vote-by-Mail and 10,000 Provisional ballots still must be processed. Ballots that are postmarked on or before Election Day also remain to be counted. The next updated results will be posted at 6 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Calvert wasted no time in issuing a victory statement.

“I want to thank the Riverside County voters for once again choosing me to be their voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. As I said throughout this campaign, I will work to take our country in a different direction from the path it’s on and advocate for policies that will curb inflation, lower energy prices by increasing American production, address our border crisis, and reduce crime.

“This election demonstrated that Riverside County voters are more interested in people serious about solving our challenges, than personal politics. In the end, it’s clear that voters sent a strong message rejecting the gutter politics of lies and personal attacks from an out-of-town extremist liberal.

“It’s clear that this district, like our country, is narrowly divided on a partisan basis. I am proud of my record of delivering results for Riverside County by working in a bipartisan manner throughout my career. As I represent a new district with new communities, I remain committed to working towards solutions with anyone who is interested in addressing the needs of our region.”

Calvert has held his congressional seat in Southwest Riverside County for three decades, but recent redistricting shifted his constituency. District lines were redrawn to include more progressive and Democratic-leaning cities, like Palm Springs, and he lost Republican strongholds, such as Murrieta and much of Temecula.

Calvert, 69, was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 and is one of its most senior members. He has helped secure funding for local infrastructure and has supported pro-growth policies in the region. Ahead of this year’s primary election, he garnered the support of former President Donald Trump, who called Calvert “a leader on National Security.”

 

 

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