Bera-Lungren listed as a top “Race to Watch”
California's 7th District: Ami Bera (D) vs Dan Lungren (R)
The district is new but the candidates are not: Rep. Dan Lungren (R) and Democrat Ami Bera faced off in 2010, with Lungren beating his rival 51 percent to 43 percent.
California’s complicated redistricting process drew the new lines for the 7th district, which contains much of Sacramento area.
Lungren found himself taken from his GOP-leaning seat and put into this Dem-leaning district, with much of his rural Republican base gone.
Bera, a doctor and political neophyte, stunned observers two years ago with his excellent fundraising skills and strong challenge to the longtime, well-known lawmaker.
Lungren wasn’t originally considered a target in 2010, but Bera’s campaign grabbed the attention of both parties and made the contest surprisingly competitive.
Democrats got behind Bera early for the 2012 cycle — and aggressively — with Lungren getting just as much support from his party.
This race has seen more outside funds than any other House race — $4.3 million as of early October — according to the Center for Public Integrity.
Labor unions, super-PACs and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are all heavily involved.
A sign of how this race has changed from 2010: that year, the Sacramento Bee endorsed Lungren. This year, the newspaper endorsed Bera.
The Hill rates this race as a toss-up.
