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Republican incumbent Young Kim has been declared the winner in a primary to represent California’s 40th Congressional District in the U.S. House, fending off a challenge from fellow Republican Greg Raths.

The Associated Press called the race Monday evening at 6.25 p.m. local time. 

BUENA PARK, CA - DECEMBER 18: Young Kim, left, and Michelle Steel were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November, 2020. Kim represents the 39th congressional district and Steel the 48th congressional district in California. (Photo by Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

BUENA PARK, CA – DECEMBER 18: Young Kim, left, and Michelle Steel were elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November, 2020. Kim represents the 39th congressional district and Steel the 48th congressional district in California. (Photo by Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

The primary system in California permits the top two candidates to advance, regardless of their party affiliation, so Democratic candidate Asif Mahmood (47%) and Kim (32%) will advance to the general election.

Kim, 59, who is currently representing California’s 39th Congressional District, was forced to switch districts following a once-in-a-decade voter redistricting effort in the state.

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The 40th Congressional District election is key for Republicans as the district could be one they are undoubtedly hoping to keep in the general election.

In the primary, Kim had to fend off a challenge from fellow Republican Greg Raths, a retired U.S. Marines Corps colonel and combat fighter pilot, who previously ran to represent California’s 45th Congressional District.

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Raths garnered just 19% among primary voters.

Republican candidate Greg Raths.

Republican candidate Greg Raths. (Greg Raths for Congress campaign)

The contest between the Republicans was also notable as Kim won her last general election bid over Democrat Gil Cisneroes (50.6% to 49.4%) while Raths lost his last general election campaign to Democrat Katie Porter (46.5% to Porter’s 53.5%).

California news.

California news. (Fox News)

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Kim and Mahmood will go head-to-head in the general election on November 8, 2022.

Source: www.foxnews.com