In 2027, Ken Calvert Will Become CA's Longest-Serving Active Congressional Representative

CORONA, CA — Rep. Young Kim on Monday evening acknowledged her loss to fellow Republican Rep. Ken Calvert in the 40th Congressional District, which spans parts of Orange and Riverside counties, including the cities of Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Murrieta, Rancho Santa Margarita and Wildomar.

With the apparent win, Calvert, 73, will become the longest-serving active representative in California.

Calvert, who grew up in Corona and still lives there, was first elected to Congress in 1992. His apparent Nov. 3 victory will secure his 18th term beginning next year.

Other California lawmakers have served longer in Congress, most recently outgoing Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D), who has been in office for 40 years. Now 86, Pelosi announced her retirement last November and will officially depart when the 120th United States Congress convenes on Jan. 3, 2027.

The longest-serving active Democratic congressional representative from California is Zoe Lofgren, 78, whose 18th District covers downtown San Jose and eastern neighborhoods such as Alum Rock and East Foothills. She was first sworn into office on Jan. 3, 1995.

Calvert led Kim 53.6% to 46.4% (98,455 votes to 85,145), according to results released Tuesday morning by the Secretary of State's Office. (Real-Time Election Results 2026: Congressional District 40)

Calvert had already claimed victory Thursday night.

"Thank you, Riverside and Orange Counties," Calvert said in a statement. "Election officials are still counting ballots, but the outcome of this race is clear. We won. This is home. I've lived my entire life here, and there is no greater honor than serving my neighbors and our communities in Congress."

Final election results remain pending. By Dec. 4, county election officials must submit their general election returns to the Secretary of State. By Dec. 11, the Secretary of State must prepare, certify, and file a statement of the vote and post it to the state's official website.

Campaign advertisements for Calvert during the 2026 election cycle sought to highlight his loyalty to President Donald Trump over his opponent, touting his consistent support for the president. The campaign also emphasized the millions of federal dollars Calvert secured for Riverside County, including infrastructure investments in transportation and water.

Kim, 64, of Anaheim, was first elected to Congress in 2020 after serving on former Rep. Ed Royce’s staff for 21 years — during his time as both a state senator and a member of the U.S. House — and completing a two-year term in the California State Assembly.

"I want to congratulate Congressman Ken Calvert on his victory," Kim said in a statement released Monday night. "I wish him the very best as he continues representing our communities.

"I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I thank the people of Southern California for allowing me that privilege."