Irwin on track to succeed Brownley in California

Jacqui Irwin, a California State Assemblymember, is likely to succeed Rep. Julia Brownley in the House of Representatives after securing a leading position in the race for California’s 26th Congressional District. With over 40% of the vote, she's headed to the November election where she’ll likely face off against the second-place candidate. This shift matters as Brownley's departure opens up a key Democratic seat, potentially affecting the balance of power in Congress. Irwin’s success would also solidify Democratic control in a district that leans liberal but could face challenges in a general election.