Who leads California's 5th Congressional District this primary election?

Corey Schmidt, The Sacramento Bee on Jun 3, 2026

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Longtime Republican Rep. Tom McClintock appeared headed for another November ballot after taking a commanding lead in California’s 5th Congressional District primary, according to early election returns.

McClintock, an Elk Grove Republican, garnered 63% of the vote as of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, while Democrat Michael Masuda received about 23%, according to preliminary results from the California Secretary of State’s Office. The Associated Press projects the two candidates will advance to the November general election.

“My sincere thanks to the people of the 5th Congressional District for their overwhelming vote of confidence,” McClintock wrote in a statement. “The next several years will determine whether our nation enjoys a re-birth of freedom or becomes another failed socialist state.”

Masuda, an engineer, grew up in Amador County, according to previous Sacramento Bee reporting, where he still lives with his wife and their two children. His top priorities include improving access to rural health care, addressing housing costs and mitigating wildfire impacts.

McClintock has represented the district since 2009 and was widely viewed as the favorite in the race. The redrawn district, which stretches along the Nevada border from Alpine County to Inyo County, is considered strongly Republican.

In 2024, McClintock co-sponsored a bill to continue sending military aid to Israel and, in September, co-sponsored legislation to honor Charlie Kirk, a slain conservative activist, according to previous Sacramento Bee reporting. He has generally voted along party lines.

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