Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, in his quest for a seventh term, leaped to a double-digit lead when early votes were counted Tuesday night in a seven-person contest to represent California’s 36th congressional district.
Three Democrats — data engineer Rustin Knudtson, business development manager Frederick Reardon and nursing school student Marianne Shamma — are challenging Lieu.
Other challengers include technology executive Houston Brignano and investigative journalist Melissa Toomim, both Republicans, as well as business owner Claire Anderson, who is registered as no-party preference.
LIVE ELECTION RESULTS: See the latest vote counts
This coastal district stretches from Santa Monica south, past Redondo Beach and Torrance and on to Rancho Palos Verdes. It also includes Beverly Hills.
This district is a Democratic stronghold, with 49.89% of its registered voters identifying as Democratic. Another 20.45% are registered as Republicans, while 23.08% have no party preference.
The top two vote-getters in the primary election, regardless of party affiliation, will face off in the November general election.
Vote tallies will be updated throughout the night and in the coming days as more ballots are counted, so check back periodically for the latest information.