Mike Levin Leads Sara Jacobs In Southern California Congress Race

Mike Levin Image by Twitter

By Dave Goldiner June 6, 2018

Mike Levin leads fellow Democrat Sara Jacobs in a tight race to take on a conservative Republican in a suburban San Diego district that is key to Democratic hopes of retaking the House of Representatives.

Levin had 17% compared to 15.5% for Jacobs in the fight for California’s 49th Congressional district in Orange County.

One of the two Jewish Democrats will likely be favored over Republican Diane Harkey, who finished on top of the crowded field in California’s unusual top-two “jungle primary” system.

Incumbent Republican Darrell Issa declined to run for reelection after barely squeaking out a win in 2016 and Democrats believe they have an excellent shot of grabbing the seat, one of two dozen they need to flip to win the House.

Insiders warned that many ballots could still be outstanding and the results could still change.

Democrats had feared they might get locked out of this and other promising pick-up opportunities because of the odd system which could have allowed two Republicans or two Democrats to advance to the general election ballot.

Dave Goldiner is the Forward’s director of digital media. Dave is a veteran journalist who has spent two decades working at newspapers in the United States and Africa. A native New Yorker, Goldiner wrote for the New York Daily News, where he covered some of the biggest stories of our time, including the attacks of September 11, along with thousands of stories of hope and heartbreak. He also studied and worked in Southern Africa and has written for publications in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He holds masters degrees in journalism and public administration from Columbia University. Dave can be reached at [email protected], or follow him on Twitter @davegoldiner