Who's In the Race

Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA) faces Republican Eric Ching in the Nov. 3 general election in California's 31st Congressional District. California uses a top-two primary, meaning the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party. ​

Cisneros has represented the district since 2025, previously served as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1989 after graduating from high school. In the June 2 top-two primary, Cisneros took about 61 percent of the vote.

Ching is a former mayor of Walnut who served three terms on the Walnut City Council and describes himself as a business owner. Ching advanced with about 24 percent of the vote, edging out fellow Republican Erskine Levi, who received about 15 percent.

What They Stand For

Cisneros has proposed extending Affordable Care Act tax credits to reduce healthcare costs, according to his official House website. He's also supported:

  • Reversing what he calls the "Big Ugly Bill" healthcare cuts, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune;
  • Rolling back tariffs and supporting small businesses and economic growth, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune; and
  • Veterans' causes, gun-safety reform, climate action and women's rights, according to his campaign website.

Ching has said his "single most important issue is to put God and people's interests first," and that government should "only serve and protect" people, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune's election questionnaire.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 9; Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 11; and Inside Elections rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 2.

On Kalshi, traders gave Democrats, whose nominee is Cisneros, a 94.8 percent chance of winning as of Oct. 13.

Democrats have held the seat in both recent cycles: Grace Napolitano won it in 2022 with about 60 percent of the vote, and Cisneros won it in 2024 with about 60 percent. Statewide, Democrats won 40 of California's 52 U.S. House seats in 2022 and 43 in 2024. Kamala Harris carried California in the 2024 presidential election with about 58 percent of the vote.

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