Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and Republican Larry Thompson will face each other in the November 2026 general election for California's 32nd congressional district.
The matchup sets the stage for a partisan battle in Southern California after both candidates survived a crowded primary field. This contest will determine whether the seat remains in Democratic hands or flips to Republican control.
Sherman, a 15-term congressman [2], emerged as the top finisher in the nonpartisan top-two primary. He faced a total of eight challengers during the primary cycle [1]. Early results placed Sherman and Thompson in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots [1], ensuring their advancement to the final vote.
California utilizes a nonpartisan primary system where the two candidates with the most votes advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. In this instance, the system resulted in a traditional Democratic versus Republican contest for the Southern California seat.
The general election will take place in November 2026 [2]. Both candidates must now pivot from a primary focused on a wide field of competitors to a head-to-head campaign for the district's representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) and Republican Larry Thompson will face each other in the November 2026 general election”
The advancement of a Democratic incumbent and a Republican challenger reflects the typical outcome of California's top-two primary system in districts with clear partisan leans. For Sherman, the challenge lies in maintaining his long-term hold on the seat against a consolidated Republican opposition, while Thompson seeks to capitalize on any shift in the district's political climate leading into the November election.
