Republican James Gallagher Wins Special Election for Congress, Faces Tough Rematch Against Democrat Mike McGuire
Republican Assemblymember James Gallagher has won a special election to serve in Congress for the remainder of the year, filling the seat left vacant by the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa. He will head straight to Congress without a runoff. Gallagher will face Democratic state Sen. Mike McGuire in a November rematch for a full term in the 1st Congressional District. The special election was conducted using old congressional maps that favored Republicans, but the new boundaries under Proposition 50 will favor Democrats in the upcoming general election. Gallagher expressed gratitude for the voters' trust in him to represent the North State communities. McGuire is expected to be the favored candidate in the rematch for a full term in Congress.