LOS ANGELES – Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia extended his narrow lead Tuesday over Democrat Christy Smith in the 25th Congressional District north of Los Angeles, where ballot-counting continued in the back-and-forth contest.By the end of last week, Garcia had opened up a lead of just over 100 votes.
An updated tally from Los Angeles and Ventura counties showed his edge had grown to 422 votes.Garcia, a former Navy fighter pilot and defense industry executive, captured the swing district seat in a special election in May against Smith.
The post was left vacant after former Democratic Rep. Katie Hill resigned in 2019 amid a House ethics probe.The district, anchored in Los Angeles County but paired with a slice of Ventura County that is home.