2012 United States House of Representatives elections in California

The 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in California were held on November 6, 2012, with a primary election on June 5, 2012. Voters elected the 53 U.S. representatives from the state, one from each of the state's 53 congressional districts. The elections coincided with the elections of other federal and state offices, including a quadrennial presidential election and a U.S. Senate election.

According to The Cook Political Report and Roll Call, the most competitive districts were the 7th, 10th, 26th, 36th, and 52nd; additionally, the 3rd, 9th, 24th, 41st, and 47th were rated as less than safe. Roll Call additionally listed the 21st district as competitive. Voters in 14 districts elected new representatives: the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 15th, 21st, 26th, 29th, 35th, 36th, 41st, 47th, 51st, and 52nd. Two districts, the 30th and the 44th, had two incumbents running against each other.

This was the first election using congressional districts drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. The districts, based on the 2010 United States census, were approved on August 15, 2011. It was also the first non-special election to use the nonpartisan blanket primary system established by Proposition 14. As a result, eight districts featured general elections with two candidates of the same party: the 15th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 43rd, and 44th with two Democrats; and the 8th and 31st with two Republicans.

Map key
This map displays the location of California's congressional districts during this election cycle, allowing the reader to cross-reference the location of each district.

District 1
The 1st district is based in inland Northern California and includes Chico and Redding. Incumbent Republican Wally Herger, who represented the 2nd district from 1987 to 2013, retired. The district had a PVI of R+10.

Advanced to general

 * Doug LaMalfa, state senator

Eliminated in primary

 * Sam Aanestad, former state senator
 * Gregory Cheadle, real estate broker
 * Michael Dacquisto, attorney
 * Pete Stiglich, retired Air Force Colonel and candidate for this seat in 2010

Declined

 * Wally Herger, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Jim Reed, attorney and nominee for this seat in 2010

Eliminated in primary

 * Nathan Arrowsmith

Campaign
Reed was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012. In March 2012, the California Republican Party declined to make an endorsement in the 1st district.

District 2
The 2nd district is based in California's North Coast and includes Marin County and Eureka. Democrat Lynn Woolsey, who represented the 6th district from 1993 to 2013, retired. The district had a PVI of D+19.

Advanced to general

 * Jared Huffman, state assembly member

Eliminated in primary

 * Susan Adams, nurse practitioner and Marin County Board of Supervisors member
 * Andy Caffrey
 * William Courtney, physician and researcher
 * Larry Fritzlan, therapist
 * Stacey Lawson, businesswoman and chemical engineer
 * Tiffany Renée, former Petaluma City Council member
 * Norman Solomon, journalist and activist

Declined

 * Noreen Evans, state senator
 * Gavin Newsom, incumbent Lieutenant Governor of California
 * Pam Torliatt, Mayor of Petaluma
 * Shirlee Zane, Sonoma County supervisor

Advanced to general

 * Daniel Roberts, Vietnam War veteran and investment company president

Eliminated in primary

 * Mike Halliwell, college professor

Declined

 * Jim Judd, manufacturing business owner and nominee for this seat in 2010

Eliminated in primary

 * Brooke Clarke, small business owner
 * John Lewallen

Declined

 * Marnie Glickman (Green), co-chair of the Marin County Green Party
 * Nancy Mancias (Green), co-chair of the Marin County Green Party

Campaign
Regional delegates of the California Democratic Party met in January 2012 but did not endorse a nominee as no candidate received 50 per cent of the vote. Huffman received 48 per cent, Solomon 37 per cent, Adams 12 per cent and Lawson one percent. Meanwhile, Roberts received the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 3
The 3rd district is based in north central California and includes Davis, Fairfield, and Yuba City. Incumbent Democrat John Garamendi, who represented the 10th district from 2009 to 2013, ran for re-election. The district had a PVI of D+1.

Advanced to general

 * John Garamendi, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Kim Vann, Colusa County Board of Supervisors member

Eliminated in primary

 * Tony Carlos, Sutter County deputy district attorney
 * Eugene Ray, realtor
 * Rick Tubbs, pilot

Withdrawn

 * Timothy Core, small business employee
 * Charlie Schaupp, farmer

Campaign
Garamendi received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. In March 2012, the California Republican Party declined to make an endorsement in the 3rd district.

District 4
The 4th district is based in east central California and includes Lake Tahoe, Roseville, and Yosemite National Park. Incumbent Republican Tom McClintock, who had represented the 4th district since 2009, ran for re-election. The district had a PVI of R+10.

Advanced to general

 * Tom McClintock, incumbent U.S. Representative

Declined

 * Dan Lungren, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 3rd district (running in the 7th)

Advanced to general

 * Jack Uppal, retired semiconductor engineer

Campaign
Uppal was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012, with McClintock receiving the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 5
The 5th district is based in the North Bay and includes Napa, Santa Rosa, and Vallejo. Incumbent Democrat Mike Thompson, who had represented the 1st district from 1999 to 2013, ran for re-election. The district had a PVI of D+18.

Advanced to general

 * Mike Thompson, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Randy Loftin, tax and financial planning adviser

Eliminated in primary

 * Stewart Cilley, accountant

Campaign
Thompson received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012 while Loftin was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March.

District 6
The 6th district is based in north central California and includes Sacramento. Incumbent Democrat Doris Matsui, who represented the 5th district from 2005 to 2013, ran for re-election here. The district had a PVI of D+13.

Advanced to general

 * Doris Matsui, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Joseph McCray Sr., business owner

Eliminated in primary

 * Erik Smitt

Campaign
Matsui was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 7
The 7th district is based in north central California and includes eastern Sacramento County. Incumbent Republican Dan Lungren, who represented the 3rd district from 2005 to 2013 and previously served from 1979 until 1989, ran for re-election. The district had a PVI of R+3.

Advanced to general

 * Dan Lungren, incumbent U.S. Representative

Declined

 * Darren Spellman, Calaveras County Board of Supervisors member

Advanced to general

 * Ami Bera, physician and nominee for this seat in 2010

Declined

 * Alyson Huber, state assembly member

Campaign
Bera received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Lungren was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

Debates

 * Complete video of debate, September 25, 2012

Aftermath
In May 2016, Babulal Bera, Ami Bera's father, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of election fraud affecting the 2010 and 2012 elections, and was convicted of illegally funneling $250,000 to his son's campaigns between 2010 and 2012.

District 8
The 8th district is based in the eastern High Desert and includes Victorville and Yucaipa. Incumbent Republican Jerry Lewis, who represented the 41st district from 2003 to 2013 and its predecessors since 1983, retired. The district had a PVI of R+12.

Advanced to general

 * Paul Cook, state assembly member
 * Gregg Imus, co-founder of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps of California

Eliminated in primary

 * Dennis Albertsen, computer scientist
 * George Craig
 * Bill Jensen, former mayor of Hesperia
 * Phillip Liberatore, accountant
 * Ryan McEachron, Mayor of Victorville;
 * Brad Mitzelfelt, San Bernardino County Supervisor
 * Joseph Napolitano
 * Angela Valles, member of the Victorville City Council

Declined

 * Jerry Lewis, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Jackie Conaway, law office manager and nominee for the 25th district in 2008 & 2010
 * John Pinkerton, President of Victor Valley College Board of Trustees

Eliminated in primary

 * Anthony Adams, former Republican state assembly member

Campaign
Conaway was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012. In March 2012, the California Republican Party declined to endorse a candidate in the 8th district.

District 9
The 9th district is based in the Central Valley and includes the San Joaquin Delta and Stockton. Incumbent Democrat Jerry McNerney, who represented the 11th district from 2007 to 2013, ran for re-election here. The district had a PVI of D+2.

Advanced to general

 * Jerry McNerney, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Ricky Gill, student at the UC Berkeley School of Law and former member of the California State Board of Education

Eliminated in primary

 * John McDonald, technology executive,

Declined

 * Tony Amador, retired US Marshal and candidate for this seat in 2010
 * Brad Goehring, farmer and candidate for this seat in 2010
 * David Harmer, businessman and nominee for this seat in 2010

Campaign
Gill was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 10
The 10th district is based in the Central Valley and includes Modesto and Tracy. Incumbent Democrat Dennis Cardoza, who represented the 18th district from 2003 to 2013, retired. Incumbent Republican Jeff Denham, who represented the 19th district from 2011 to 2013, ran for re-election here. The district had a PVI of R+5.

Advanced to general

 * Jeff Denham, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 19th district

Advanced to general

 * José Hernández, former NASA astronaut

Eliminated in primary

 * Mike Barkley, lawyer and certified public accountant;

Declined

 * Dennis Cardoza, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 18th district

Eliminated in primary

 * Chad Condit, son of former U.S. Representative Gary Condit
 * Troy McComack, small business owner

Campaign
Hernandez was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 11
The 11th district is based in the East Bay and includes Concord and Richmond. Incumbent Democrat George Miller, who represented the 7th district from 1975 to 2013, ran for re-election here. The district had a PVI of D+17.

Advanced to general

 * George Miller, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * John Fitzgerald, small business owner
 * Cheryl Sudduth, public policy advocate

Advanced to general

 * Virginia Fuller, nurse

Campaign
Miller received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 12
The 12th district is based in the Bay Area and includes most of San Francisco. House Democratic Leader and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who represented the 8th district from 1993 to 2013 and previously represented the 5th district from 1987 until 1993, ran for re-election here. The district had a PVI of D+35.

Advanced to general

 * Nancy Pelosi, incumbent U.S. Representative and House Minority Leader

Eliminated in primary

 * Americo Artura Diaz, self-employed designer
 * David Peterson, businessman
 * Summer Justice Shields

Advanced to general

 * John Dennis, real estate developer

Eliminated in primary

 * Barry Hermanson

Campaign
Pelosi was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 13
The 13th district is based in the East Bay and includes Berkeley and Oakland. Democrat Barbara Lee, who represented the 9th district from 1998 to 2013, ran for re-election here. The district had a PVI of D+37.

Advanced to general

 * Barbara Lee, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Justin Jelincic

Advanced to general

 * Marilyn Singleton, physician

Campaign
Lee received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 14
The 14th district is based in the Bay Area and includes most of San Mateo County. Incumbent Democrat Jackie Speier, who represented the 12th district from 2008 to 2013, ran for re-election here. The district had a PVI of D+23.

Advanced to general

 * Jackie Speier, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Mike Maloney, perennial candidate

Advanced to general

 * Deborah Bacigalupi, businesswoman

Campaign
Speier was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 15
The 15th district is based in the East Bay and includes Hayward and Livermore. Incumbent Democrat Pete Stark, who represented the 13th district from 1993 to 2013 and its predecessors since 1973, ran for re-election here. The district had a PVI of D+15.

Advanced to general

 * Pete Stark, incumbent U.S. Representative
 * Eric Swalwell, Alameda County deputy district attorney and member of the Dublin city council

Eliminated in primary

 * Christopher Pareja, businessman

Campaign
Stark received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Swalwell won the Tri Valley Democratic Club's Straw Poll on February 20.

Results
[[File:Eric Swalwell 15th Congressional District Acceptance Speech 11-6-2012.JPG|thumb
 * Swalwell giving his victory speech]]

District 16
The 16th district is based in the Central Valley and includes Fresno and Merced. Incumbent Democrat Jim Costa, who represented the 20th district from 2005 to 2013, ran for re-election here. The district had a PVI of D+2.

Advanced to general

 * Jim Costa, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Loraine Goodwin, physician and member of the California Democratic State Central Committee

Declined

 * Dennis Cardoza, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 18th district

Advanced to general

 * Brian Whelan, farmer and attorney

Eliminated in primary

 * Mark Garcia, small business owner
 * Johnny Tacherra, farmer

Declined

 * Jeff Denham, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 19th district
 * Case Lawrence, entrepreneur
 * Clint Olivier, member of the Fresno City Council
 * Jim Patterson, former mayor of Fresno
 * Mark Pazin, Merced County Sheriff
 * Andy Vidak, farmer and nominee for this seat in 2010

District 17
The 17th district is based in the Bay Area and includes Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Fremont, and Milpitas. Democrat Mike Honda, who represented the 15th district from 2001 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Charles Richardson ran as a Libertarian Party candidate.

Advanced to general

 * Mike Honda, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Evelyn Li, cardiologist and founder of patient advocate organization

Campaign
Honda received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Li was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 18
The 18th district is based in the Bay Area and includes Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Saratoga. Democrat Anna Eshoo, who represented the 14th district from 1993 to 2013, ran for re-election.

Advanced to general

 * Anna Eshoo, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * William Parks

Advanced to general

 * Dave Chapman, nominee for this seat in 2010

Eliminated in primary

 * Carol Brouillet, part of the Occupy movement

Campaign
Eshoo was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Chapman received the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 19
The 19th district is based in the South Bay and includes most of San Jose. Democrat Zoe Lofgren, who represented the 16th district from 1995 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Zoe Lofgren, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Robert Murray

Eliminated in primary

 * Phat Nguyen

Campaign
Lofgren received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Murray was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 20
The 20th district is based in the Central Coast and includes Monterey and Santa Cruz. Democrat Sam Farr, who represented the 17th district from 1993 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Sam Farr, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Art Dunn, Vice President of Ansavoice Communications

Advanced to general

 * Jeff Taylor, farmer

Eliminated in primary

 * Mike LeBarre

Campaign
Farr was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 21
The 21st district is based in the Central Valley and includes Hanford and parts of Bakersfield. This new district had no incumbent.

Advanced to general

 * David Valadao, state assembly member

Declined

 * Andy Vidak, farmer and nominee for the 20th district in 2010

Advanced to general

 * John Hernandez, chief executive officer of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Eliminated in primary

 * Blong Xiong, Fresno City Council member

Declined

 * Cruz Bustamante, former Lieutenant Governor and nominee for governor in 2003
 * Dennis Cardoza, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 18th district
 * Jim Costa, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 20th district
 * Michael Rubio, state senator

Campaign
Valadao was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 22
The 22nd district is based in the Central Valley and includes Clovis, Tulare, and Visalia. Republican Devin Nunes, who represented the 21st district from 2003 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Devin Nunes, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Otto Lee, lawyer and former member of the Sunnyvale City Council

Campaign
Nunes received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in March 2012.

District 23
The 23rd district is based in the southern Central Valley and includes parts of Bakersfield. House Majority Whip and Republican Kevin McCarthy, who represented the 22nd district from 2007 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Kevin McCarthy, incumbent U.S. Representative

Democratic candidates
No Democrats filed.

Advanced to general

 * Terry Phillips, former news reporter for Valley Public Radio, CBS, and NBC/Mutual

Campaign
McCarthy was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 24
The 24th district is based in the Central Coast and includes San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Democrat Lois Capps, who represented California's 23rd congressional district from 2003 to 2013 and the 22nd district from 1998 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Lois Capps, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Abel Maldonado, former Lieutenant Governor

Eliminated in primary

 * Christopher Mitchum, former actor and businessman

Withdrawn

 * Tom Watson

Campaign
Capps received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. In March 2012, the California Republican Party declined to endorse any candidate, while the Santa Barbara County party endorsed Mitchum.

District 25
The 25th district is based in northern Los Angeles County and includes Palmdale and Santa Clarita. Republican Howard McKeon, who had represented the 25th district since 1993, ran for re-election.

Advanced to general

 * Howard McKeon, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Dante Acosta, financial advisor
 * Cathie Wright, daughter of former state senator Catherine Wright

Declined

 * Elton Gallegly, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 24th district

Advanced to general

 * Lee Rogers, podiatrist

Campaign
Rogers was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012. McKeon received the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 26
The 26th district is based in the southern Central Coast and includes Oxnard and Thousand Oaks. Republican Elton Gallegly, who represented the 24th district from 2003 to 2013 and its predecessors since 1987, retired.

Advanced to general

 * Tony Strickland, state senator

Declined

 * Glen Becerra, member of the Simi Valley City Council
 * David Dreier, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 26th district
 * Elton Gallegly, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 24th district
 * Keith Millhouse, member of the Moorpark City Council
 * Greg Totten, Ventura County District Attorney

Advanced to general

 * Julia Brownley, state assembly member

Eliminated in primary

 * Albert Maxwell Goldberg, real estate agent and broker
 * Jess Herrera, commissioner of the Oxnard Harbor District
 * David Cruz Thayne, businessman and former professional tennis player

Withdrawn

 * Steve Bennett, member of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors
 * David Pollock, member of the Moorpark City Council
 * Esequiel Ruelas, retired longshoreman; ended his campaign and endorsed Brownley

Declined

 * Richard Francis, former mayor of Ventura
 * Fran Pavley, state senator
 * Mary Anne Rooney, commissioner of the Oxnard Harbor District
 * Brad Sherman, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 27th district

Eliminated in primary

 * Linda Parks, member of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors (and previously a registered Republican)

Withdrawn

 * Akiva Werbalowsky, permaculture designer

Campaign
At the California Democratic Party convention, held in February 2012, delegates voted to make no endorsement. In March 2012, Strickland was endorsed by the California Republican Party.

Debates

 * Complete video of debate, October 2, 2012

District 27
The 27th district is based in the San Gabriel Foothills and includes Alhambra and Pasadena. Democrat Judy Chu, who represented the 32nd district from 2009 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Judy Chu, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Jack Orswell, small business owner

Eliminated in primary

 * Bob Duran, tax attorney and businessman

Campaign
Chu received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Orswell received the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 28
The 28th district is based in the northern Los Angeles suburbs and includes Burbank and Glendale as well as parts of central Los Angeles. Democrat Adam Schiff, who represented the 29th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 27th district from 2001 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Adam Schiff, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Sal Genovese, community services administrator
 * Jonathan Ryan Kalbfeld, entrepreneur and software engineer
 * Massie Munroe, civil engineer

Advanced to general

 * Phil Jennerjahn, political consultant, candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles in 2009 and for the 33rd District in 2010

Eliminated in primary

 * Garen Mailyan, security officer
 * Jenny Worman, actress and Hollywood stand-in

Campaign
Schiff was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 29
The 29th district is based in the northeastern San Fernando Valley. This new district had no incumbent.

Advanced to general

 * Tony Cardenas, member of the Los Angeles City Council

Eliminated in primary

 * Richard Valdez, businessman

Declined

 * Howard Berman, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 28th district

Republican candidates
No Republicans filed.

Advanced to general

 * David Hernandez, president of the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce

Campaign
Cardenas received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 30
The 30th district is based in the western San Fernando Valley and includes Sherman Oaks. Democrat Brad Sherman, who represented the 27th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 24th district from 1997 to 2003, ran for re-election against fellow Democrat Howard Berman, who represented the 28th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 26th district from 1983 to 2003.

Advanced to general

 * Howard Berman, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 28th district
 * Brad Sherman, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 27th district

Eliminated in primary

 * Vince Gilmore

Eliminated in primary

 * Mark Reed, actor, rancher and businessman
 * Susan Shelley, novelist
 * Navraj Singh, businessman and restaurateur

Campaign
At the California Democratic Party's annual convention in February 2012, Sherman received the support of more delegates than Berman, but did not reach the 60-percent threshold necessary to receive the party's endorsement. In March 2012, the California Republican Party declined to endorse any candidate while the Los Angeles County party endorsed Reed.

Campaign
The campaign was one of the most expensive in the nation.

District 31
The 31st district is based in the Inland Empire and includes San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga. Republicans David Dreier, who represented the 26th district from 2003 to 2013 and its predecessors since 1981, and Jerry Lewis, who represented the 41st district from 2003 to 2013 and its predecessors since 1979, retired. Republican Gary Miller, who represented the 42nd district from 2003 to 2013 and the 41st district from 1999 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Robert Dutton, state senator
 * Gary Miller, incumbent U.S. Representative

Declined

 * David Dreier, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 26th district
 * Jerry Lewis, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 41st district
 * Michael Ramos, San Bernardino County district attorney

Eliminated in primary

 * Pete Aguilar, Mayor of Redlands
 * Justin Kim, former congressional oversight lawyer
 * Rita Ramirez-Dean, community college trustee
 * Renea Wickman, founder of a youth nonprofit organization,

Declined

 * Joe Baca, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 43rd district
 * Joe Baca, Jr., former state assembly member
 * Russ Warner, businessman and nominee for the 26th district in 2008 & 2010

Campaign
At its February 2012 convention, the California Democratic Party did not endorse a candidate in the 31st district, while Miller was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 32
The 32nd district is based in the San Gabriel Valley and includes El Monte and West Covina. Republican David Dreier, who represented the 26th district from 2003 to 2013 and its predecessors since 1978, retired. Democrat Grace Napolitano, who represented the 38th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 34th district from 1999 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Grace Napolitano, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Bill Gonzalez, former Deputy State Director and Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

Withdrawn

 * Roger Hernandez, state assembly member
 * Norma Macias, El Monte council member

Declined

 * Linda Sánchez, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 39th district

Advanced to general

 * David Miller, CEO of Pacific Development Incorporated

Campaign
Napolitano was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 33
The 33rd district is based in coastal Los Angeles County and includes Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. Democrat Henry Waxman, who represented the 30th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 24th and 29th districts from 1975 to 1993 and 1993 to 2003 respectively, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Henry Waxman, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Bruce Margolin, attorney
 * Zein Obagi, attorney
 * Tim Pape

Eliminated in primary

 * Christopher David, entrepreneur

Advanced to general

 * Bill Bloomfield, businessman

Eliminated in primary

 * David Steinman

Eliminated in primary

 * Steve Collett, certified public accountants

Campaign
Waxman received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. In March 2012, the California Republican Party declined to endorse David.

District 34
The 34th district is based in central Los Angeles and includes Chinatown and Downtown Los Angeles. Democrat Xavier Becerra, who represented the 31st district from 2003 to 2013 and the 30th district from 1993 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Xavier Becerra, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Stephen Smith, former Radio Shack employee

Campaign
Becerra was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 35
The 35th district is based in the Inland Empire and includes Fontana, Ontario, and Pomona. Democrat Joe Baca, who represented the 43rd district from 2003 to 2013 and the 42nd district from 1999 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Joe Baca, incumbent U.S. Representative
 * Gloria Negrete McLeod, state senator

Eliminated in primary

 * Anthony Vieyra, former IRS employee

Campaign
Baca was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 36
The 36th district is based in eastern Riverside County and includes Palm Springs. Republican Mary Bono Mack, who represented the 45th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 44th district from 1998 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Mary Bono Mack, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Raul Ruiz, physician

Declined

 * Manuel Pérez, state assembly member
 * Steve Pougnet, Mayor of Palm Springs and nominee for the 45th district in 2010

Campaign
Ruiz received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Bono Mack was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

Debates

 * Complete video of debate, October 12, 2012

District 37
The 37th district is based in West Los Angeles and includes Crenshaw and Culver City. Democrat Karen Bass, who represented the 33rd district from 2011 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Karen Bass, incumbent U.S. Representative

Withdrawn

 * Mervin Evans

Declined

 * Maxine Waters, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 35th district

Advanced to general

 * Morgan Osborne (write-in)

Campaign
Bass was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 38
The 38th district is based in the eastern Los Angeles suburbs and includes Norwalk and Whittier. Democrat Linda Sánchez, who represented the 39th district from 2003 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Linda Sánchez, incumbent U.S. Representative

Withdrawn

 * Ronald Calderon, state senator

Declined

 * Grace Napolitano, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 38th district

Advanced to general

 * Benjamin Campos, certified public accountant

Eliminated in primary

 * Jorge Robles, law enforcement professional

Campaign
Sánchez received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 39
The 39th district straddles the Los Angeles–Orange county border and includes Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, and Fullerton. Republican Ed Royce, who represented the 40th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 39th district from 1993 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Ed Royce, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Jay Chen, member of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District board

Campaign
Chen was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

Aftermath
Jay Chen did much better than previous Royce opponents among the Asian American community, earning 62% of the overall Asian American vote, and 95% of the Chinese American vote.

District 40
The 40th district is based in central Los Angeles County and includes Downey and East Los Angeles. Democrat Lucille Roybal-Allard, who represented the 34th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 33rd district from 1993 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Lucille Roybal-Allard, incumbent U.S. Representative
 * David Sanchez, civil rights activist

Declined

 * Linda Sánchez, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 39th district

Republican candidates
No Republicans filed.

Campaign
Roybal-Allard received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 41
The 41st district is based in the Inland Empire and includes Moreno Valley, Perris, and Riverside. This new district had no incumbent.

Advanced to general

 * Mark Takano, member of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees

Eliminated in primary

 * Anna Nevenic, nurse

Advanced to general

 * John Tavaglione, Riverside County Supervisor

Eliminated in primary

 * George Pearne
 * Vince Sawyer, Oath Keeper

Declined

 * Jeff Miller, state assembly member

Campaign
Takano was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Tavaglione received the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 42
The 42nd district is based in the Inland Empire and includes Corona and Murrieta. Republican Ken Calvert, who represented the 44th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 43rd district from 1993 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Ken Calvert, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Eva Johnson, former division director Western Municipal Water District
 * Clayton Thibodeau, author and entrepreneur

Advanced to general

 * Michael Williamson, attorney

Eliminated in primary

 * Cliff Smith

Campaign
Calvert was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 43
The 43rd district is based in South Los Angeles and includes Hawthorne and Inglewood. Democrat Maxine Waters, who represented the 35th district from 1993 to 2013 and the 29th district from 1991 to 1993, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Bob Flores, self-employed communications manager
 * Maxine Waters, incumbent U.S. Representative

Withdrawn

 * Marco Antonio Leal

Campaign
Waters received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012.

District 44
The 44th district is based in south Los Angeles County and includes Carson, Compton, and San Pedro. Democrat Janice Hahn, who represented the 36th district from 2011 to 2013, ran for re-election against fellow Democrat Laura Richardson, who represented the 37th district from 2007 to 2013.

Advanced to general

 * Janice Hahn, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 36th district
 * Laura Richardson, incumbent U.S. Representative for the 37th district

Declined

 * Isadore Hall, state assembly member

Withdrawn

 * John Lauro

Campaign
In February 2012, Hahn became the officially endorsed candidate of the California Democratic Party.

District 45
The 45th district is based in inland Orange County and includes Irvine and Mission Viejo. Republican John Campbell, who represented the 48th district from 2005 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * John Campbell, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * John Webb, a small businessman

Advanced to general

 * Sukhee Kang, Mayor of Irvine

Campaign
Kang was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Campbell received the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 46
The 46th district is based in central Orange County and includes Anaheim and Santa Ana. Democrat Loretta Sanchez, who represented the 47th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 46th district from 1997 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Loretta Sanchez, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Jerry Hayden, independent businessman

Eliminated in primary

 * John H. Cullum, accountant
 * Pat Garcia, escrow company owner

Eliminated in primary
Jorge Rocha, tax accountant

Campaign
Sanchez received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Hayden was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 47
The 47th district includes Long Beach and parts of Orange County. This new district had no incumbent.

Advanced to general

 * Alan Lowenthal, state senator

Eliminated in primary

 * Peter Mathews, professor
 * Jay Shah
 * Usha Shah

Declined

 * Joe Dunn, former state senator
 * Linda Sánchez, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Gary DeLong, Long Beach City Council member

Eliminated in primary

 * Steve Foley, conservative blogger, activist and camapign consultant
 * Steven T. Kuykendall, former U.S. Representative

Declined

 * Troy Edgar, Mayor of Los Alamitos and former member of the Los Alamitos City Council

Campaign
Lowenthal was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Delong received the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 48
The 48th district is based in coastal Orange County and includes Huntington Beach. Republican Dana Rohrabacher, who represented the 46th district from 2003 to 2013 and the 42nd and 45th districts from 1989 to 1993 and 1993 to 2003 respectively, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Dana Rohrabacher, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Ron Varasteh, scientist and engineer

Eliminated in primary

 * Alan Schlar, marketing executive

Campaign
Rohrabacher was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 49
The 49th district is based in northern San Diego County and includes Carlsbad and Oceanside. Republican Darrell Issa, who had represented the 49th district since 2003 and the 48th district from 2001 to 2003, ran for re-election.

Advanced to general

 * Darrell Issa, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Jerry Tetalman, realtor

Eliminated in primary

 * Dick Eiden, retired attorney and poet
 * Albin Novinec, U.S. Marine

Campaign
Tetalman received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Issa was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 50
The 50th district is based in inland San Diego County and includes Escondido and Santee. Republican Duncan D. Hunter, who represented the 52nd district from 2009 to 2013, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Duncan D. Hunter, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Terri Linnell, Tea Party activist and candidate for this seat in 2010

Advanced to general

 * David Secor, retired clerk of the San Diego Superior Court

Eliminated in primary

 * Connie Frankowiak, community activist and candidate for this seat in 2006 & 2010

Campaign
Hunter received the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 51
The new 51st district runs along the border with Mexico and includes Imperial County and San Diego. Democrat Bob Filner, who represented the 51st district from 2003 to 2013 and the 50th district from 1993 until 2003, retired to run for mayor of San Diego.

Advanced to general

 * Juan Vargas, state senator and candidate for this seat in 1992, 1996 & 2006

Eliminated in primary

 * John Brooks, writer and retired federal employee
 * Denise Moreno Ducheny, state senator
 * Daniel Ramirez

Declined

 * Bob Filner, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Michael Crimmins, high school principal, retired Marine Corps major and nominee for 53rd district in 2008 & 2010

Eliminated in primary

 * Xanthi Gionis, businesswoman and author
 * Bernard Portley, computer scientist

Campaign
Vargas was endorsed by the California Democratic Party in February 2012. Gionis received the endorsement of the California Republican Party in March 2012.

Vargas was predicted to face fellow Democratic state senator Denise Moreno Ducheny in the general election, but he spent some of his funds on mailers to help Republican Michael Crimmins, who he preferred to face in the general election in this heavily Democratic seat. Vargas spent $40–50,000 helping Crimmins, at least eight times more than Crimmins spent himself. The effort was successful as Crimmins finished 2,909 votes ahead of Ducheny.

Results
Vargas won the general election in a landslide.

District 52
The 52nd district is based in coastal San Diego and includes La Jolla and Poway. Republican Brian Bilbray, who represented the 50th district from 2006 to 2013 and previously served from 1995 until 2001, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Brian Bilbray, incumbent U.S. Representative

Eliminated in primary

 * Gene Hamilton Carswell, developer, builder and veteran
 * Wayne Iverson, physician
 * John Stahl, retired business executive and candidate for Florida's 22nd district in 1994
 * John Subka, real estate investor

Advanced to general

 * Scott Peters, chair of the Port of San Diego

Eliminated in primary

 * Lori Saldaña, former state assembly member

Withdrawn

 * Shirley Decourt-Park, business owner

Declined

 * Bob Nascenzi, businessman

Campaign
At its February 2012 convention, the California Democratic Party declined to endorse a candidate for the 52nd district. Bilbray was endorsed by the California Republican Party in March 2012.

District 53
The 53rd district is based in Central San Diego and includes La Mesa and Lemon Grove. Democrat Susan Davis, who had represented the 53rd district since 2003 and previously represented the 49th district from 2001 to 2003, ran for re-election here.

Advanced to general

 * Susan Davis, incumbent U.S. Representative

Advanced to general

 * Nick Popaditch, retired United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant and nominee for the 51st district in 2010

Campaign
Davis received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party in February 2012.