New polling data suggests the election in the 49th congressional district in north San Diego and south Orange counties will be close.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report changed the race to “Lean Democrat” from “Likely Democrat” on Tuesday.
Cook cited a poll commissioned by the National Republican Congressional Committee that showed the race tied, with Republican Matt Gunderson, an Orange County auto dealer, gaining traction with independent voters against two-term Democratic congressman Mike Levin.
In a press release, Gunderson’s campaign attributed the poll results to voters being “fed up” with Levin “voting 99% of the time with the likes of AOC.” The release emphasized that Gunderson is pro-choice, but also wants tougher border policies.
The Levin campaign responded in a statement that every election in his district has been close, and encouraged his base to turn out.
“No one should take this one for granted. Get out and vote!” said Levin.