In Northern California, Democrat Eric Jones secured a place on the November ballot after finishing second in the June 2 top-two primary for the 4th Congressional District, setting up a contest against incumbent Rep. Mike Thompson. Jones, a 35-year-old former venture capitalist, will challenge Thompson, who has represented the district since 1998 following his tenure as a state legislator. The district encompasses the Napa-Sonoma wine region and extends across a broad area north of Sacramento. With two Democrats advancing, the seat is expected to remain in Democratic hands.

This race marks the latest in a series of generational challenges within the Democratic Party in California. In Sacramento, Rep. Doris Matsui, 81, who entered Congress in 2005 after succeeding her late husband, is facing a primary challenge from Mai Vang, a 41-year-old member of the Sacramento City Council. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, 15-term Rep. Brad Sherman successfully defended his seat against a younger Democratic opponent who did not advance to the general election.

These contests reflect a broader trend of younger Democrats vying to replace established incumbents as they seek to shape the party’s future ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. This dynamic has gained momentum in the aftermath of former President Joe Biden’s tenure.

Separately, in New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District, Republican Rosie Pino, a Clifton City councilwoman, won her party’s primary to challenge Democratic Rep. Nellie Pou, who is pursuing a second term. Pino defeated attorney Tiffany Burress in a district that has been held by Democrats for decades but attracted attention from Republicans following tighter races in 2024 and Donald Trump’s unexpectedly strong performance in portions of northern New Jersey. The race is considered competitive as both parties view it as a key battleground in this year’s midterm elections.