Anti-Trump fervor could cost the GOP this 8-term congressman’s seat

Donald Trump.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you're seeking an example of Donald Trump's potentially damaging effect on down-ballot elections, look no further than the 49th District in California, a region that includes parts of San Diego, Orange County, and Camp Pendleton. For over a decade, California's 49th has been a deeply red spot in the liberal state, represented by eight-term congressman Darrell Issa, who hasn't needed to mount an election campaign since he first took office in 2000.

This year, though, Cook Political Report has redefined the district as a "toss up," with a very real threat coming from Democrat Doug Applegate.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.