SLOW GOING: No, we’re still not done counting votes here in California, thanks for asking. Much to the chagrin of impatient election-watchers — hi, Nate Silver! — we still have ballots to tabulate in the Golden State, where today marks the deadline for elections offices to receive those postmarked by Election Day. The Secretary of State’s Office this morning estimated there were still about 2.6 million ballots left to count statewide. But as the House creeps toward GOP dominance, candidates and party leaders want information on the status of outstanding races faster than, say, it would take the Pony Express to deliver the news. “We’re counting on California,” New York’s Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul told POLITICO when asked about her message for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after her own state flipped three seats. As we reported this morning, GOP Rep. Mike Garcia last night conceded his northern Los Angeles County race to Democrat George Whitesides after it became clear the vote tallies were not going his way. Here’s where things stand with some of the remaining down-to-the-wire races, according to reporting from our colleague Anthony Adragna and California Target Book, the nonpartisan election tracker. District 13, GOP Rep. John Duarte vs. Democrat Adam Gray This Central Valley race is a nail-biter, and it’s one Democrats still have a chance of winning. Although Duarte remains ahead, Gray has been cutting into the lead. Target Book today noted San Joaquin County’s update from last night showed ballots breaking for Gray. It suggests there are about 80,000 votes remaining, and he needs 52 percent of them to close in on Duarte. District 22, GOP Rep. David Valadao vs. Democrat Rudy Salas Valadao is currently leading the other Central Valley race by a narrow margin, and so far just Decision Desk HQ — one of the more aggressive race-callers — has named him the winner. Other news organizations have not yet called the contest, although Duarte’s seat has long been considered the easier target for Democrats. District 41, GOP Rep. Ken Calvert vs. Democrat Will Rollins Some politicians — like Calvert in his Riverside County race — are declaring victory early, touting Decision Desk HQ’s projections. Rollins has not conceded, citing all the ballots yet to be processed. Anthony reported this morning that Rollins would “need everything to break his way to overcome Calvert’s lead.” District 45: GOP Rep. Michelle Steel vs. Democrat Derek Tran This Orange County race is another one that will likely be won or lost by very small margins. Target Book reports Steel is “in serious danger,” as recent votes from a small Los Angeles County part of the district, as well as those from Orange County, broke for Tran. He would need 55 percent of the remaining 39,000 votes, leading Target Book to suggest the race could come down to “whichever campaign has the most robust ballot-curing operation.” District 47: Republican Scott Baugh vs. Democrat Dave Min Min is maintaining his lead in the Orange County race to succeed Rep. Katie Porter. He’s ahead of Baugh by about 3,200 votes, with Target Book estimating there are about 43,000 left to count. The most recent update split in Min’s favor, allowing him to widen the gap. District 9: Republican Kevin Lincoln vs. Democratic Rep. Josh Harder This one wasn’t expected to be a battleground district, and Harder declared victory last night, though the Associated Press and others have yet to call the race. The incumbent grew his lead after recent counts leaned blue, according to Target Book. Even so, Lincoln has not yet conceded, saying there are “tens of thousands of ballots that are still uncounted.” IT’S TUESDAY AFTERNOON. This is California Playbook PM, a POLITICO newsletter that serves as an afternoon temperature check on California politics and a look at what our policy reporters are watching. Got tips or suggestions? Shoot an email to lholden@politico.com.
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