The 2024 election season in the Coachella Valley’s major legislative races appears to be marked by rematches, with veteran U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert of Corona once again facing off against Democrat Will Rollins in the state’s March primary. Early returns suggest a potentially tight race between the two contenders as they gear up for another showdown in November.
Initial results released on Tuesday night indicated Calvert leading the pack with 33,638 votes, comprising 46.2% of the total, while Rollins trailed closely behind with 32,591 votes, making up 44.8% of the tally out of over 72,000 votes cast. The primary also featured Democrat Anna Nevenic, who secured 6,569 votes, approximately 9% of the vote share, placing a distant third.
With only the top two candidates advancing to the November 5 general election, Calvert expressed gratitude for the early support and emphasized his commitment to addressing pressing issues such as rising crime and border security. Rollins, on the other hand, highlighted his determination to flip the seat in November, citing bipartisan support garnered during their previous campaign in 2022.
The upcoming rematch between Calvert and Rollins, poised to advance to the general election, is anticipated to be a high-profile race drawing national attention. Calvert, a longstanding figure in Congress since 1993, faces a formidable challenge from Rollins, a former federal prosecutor who gained momentum in the previous election.
Their 2022 encounter saw Calvert secure victory by a margin of approximately 11,000 votes, despite an initial lead for Rollins on Election Night. The contest underscored the competitive nature of the district, encompassing parts of the Coachella Valley, and highlighted the potential significance of the race in determining congressional control.
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As the campaign unfolds, both candidates are expected to intensify their efforts to secure voter support, with the outcome of their rematch poised to shape the political landscape of Riverside County and beyond.