Democratic socialist Angela Gonzales-Torres has unseated Representative Jimmy Gomez in California's 34th Congressional District, ending Gomez's nearly decade-long hold on the seat. The Associated Press reported that Gonzales-Torres secured 58.7% of the vote compared to Gomez's 41.3%, with 73% of ballots counted.
The election in the overwhelmingly Democratic district was significantly influenced by a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Gomez. The committee confirmed in August that it was investigating whether Gomez "may have engaged in sexual misconduct," including inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer. CNN had previously reported on the probe, which followed an account of Gomez kissing a congressional aide who did not work for him.
Gomez, who is married and chairs the Congressional Dads Caucus, acknowledged "personal mistakes" but maintained that any relationships were consensual and that he did not violate House rules. He stated his intention to cooperate with the committee.
Gonzales-Torres, a first-time candidate, highlighted Gomez's own past remarks, recalling his statement in April that Representative Eric Swalwell should leave his gubernatorial campaign for "full accountability" amid allegations against him.
In the June primary, Gomez led the six-candidate field with approximately 46% of the vote, followed by Gonzales-Torres with 30.7%. Republican Calvin Lee came in third with about 13.7%.
Gonzales-Torres, who pledged to refuse corporate and super PAC funding, campaigned on issues such as addressing lead cleanup from the former Exide battery plant, advocating for universal legal representation in immigration court, and supporting a $25 minimum wage. She also focused on the conflict in Israel, stating her frustration with Gomez's refusal to support the Block the Bombs Act, which aims to restrict U.S. weapons transfers.
Gomez, a former labor organizer, first won the seat in a 2017 special election to replace Xavier Becerra, who became California's attorney general. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, Gomez positioned himself as a progressive, co-sponsoring legislation and speaking out against Trump administration immigration policies. He had received an endorsement from Senator Adam Schiff.
The 34th Congressional District encompasses areas such as Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, and Glassell Park, with a population of approximately 755,000 residents, of whom roughly 65% are Latino.