Mike Levin vs. Matt Gunderson for California's 49th Congressional District – Orange County Register

The first vote counts published on Tuesday evening showed this Democratic Rep. Mike Levin is ahead in the race for California's 49th Congressional District.

The first round of voting, released by Orange County and San Diego County election officials shortly after the polls closed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, showed Levin gaining an early lead over Republican Matt Gunderson.

Levin, who was first elected to Congress in 2018, serves on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and has advocated for veterans and military members in Congress. His district includes the US Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton near Oceanside.

Gunderson's run for Congress followed an unsuccessful attempt to win a state Senate seat in 2022. Originally from rural Wisconsin, Gunderson moved to California 25 years ago and operated three car dealerships in Orange County.

Although California's 49th District, located in southern Orange County and northern San Diego County, was thought to be safer than the volatile 45th and open 47th Districts, it still attracted national attention.

Part of this was due to Gunderson's campaign as a Republican voting rights advocate. In one ad, he said abortions should be “safe, legal and rare” and that he didn't want “politicians dictating health care for my daughters.”

However, Levin said in a recent editorial that he was the only Planned Parenthood-endorsed candidate in the race and that he has consistently supported the idea that the government “stays out of women's medical decisions.”

While the district spans two counties, both candidates are based in Orange County.

Voter registration is tipping in Levin's favor: As of Oct. 21, state data shows 36.3% of registered voters in the district are Democrats, while 33.8% are Republicans and 22% have no party preference. However, in the last general election, Levin defeated his Republican challenger Brian Maryott by just over 15,000 votes.

The first count is close enough that the winner may not be announced for several days. Results will continue to be counted on Tuesday evenings and updated every weekday until all ballots are counted. Check back here for updates.