Democratic Rep. Josh Harder and Republican challenger Kevin Lincoln are facing off in California's closely watched 9th Congressional District race, competing for a San Joaquin Valley seat that could help tip control of the U.

Rep. Josh Harder, D-Tracy, was leading his Republican challenger in California’s 9th Congressional District on Tuesday night, according to the Associated Press, as early returns came in. Harder, a member of Congress since 2019, faced Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Republican, in a race that analysts predicted might become close.

Democratic incumbent Josh Harder and Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, a Republican, are competing for the office of Congressional District 9 in the 2024 California General Election on Nov. 5. The district covers a large portion of the Central Valley, including Tracy, Manteca, Stockton and Lodi.