California's redrawn 6th District is already seeing a fierce political fight

[00:00:00]The race to represent California's 6th Congressional District is getting contentious tonight. Good evening. Thank you for joining us on to the point. I'm Becca Habegger. Now, here are the latest results for independent Congressman Kevin Kiley and Democrat Dr. Richard Pan. The two will face off in November.

[00:00:17]Kiley has released a new website attacking his opponent. ABC 10's Genie Nguyen is here to explain the latest in the race and a response from both sides.

[00:00:27]>> Well, Becca, both Kiley and Pan are experienced politicians and they're both using that against one another.

[00:00:32]Congressional District 6 was drastically redrawn under Prop 50. Both are trying to convince voters that they're fit for the job.

[00:00:39]>> Richard Pan is a science denier and it is dangerous to have individuals like that in public office.

[00:00:46]>> Independent Congressman Kevin Kiley says his opponent Democrat Dr. Richard Pan is unfit to represent California's 6th Congressional District. Kiley says it's due to Pan's history in the state legislature and work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[00:00:59]>> This is about protecting the ability of parents to do what is best for their kids. And Richard Pan led the charge in keeping our schools closed in California longer than any other state in the country.

[00:01:12]>> Kiley currently represents District 3 and won that seat as a Republican.

[00:01:15]Following Prop 50's passage, he left the GOP and became independent clashing with the idea of gerrymandering on all levels. Now, he's trying to convince voters in a heavily Democratic redrawn District 6 that he can win voters from all parties and believes his digs into Pan are bipartisan issues.

[00:01:32]>> This website is something that reflects that and is you know, is based upon principles that everyone shares. That we should respect the rights of parents.

[00:01:41]>> Dr. Pan served in the state assembly and senate and is a pediatrician. He touts his success on bringing down the cost of insulin and authoring legislation focused on health. Pan declined an interview with ABC 10 for this story, but openly criticized Kiley during an event this week.

[00:01:56]>> Families here in the 6th District struggle with the increasing cost of food, gas above $6 a gallon, and draconian cuts to their health care.

[00:02:07]These are the results of Kevin Kiley's unquestioning support of Donald Trump's extremist Project 2025 agenda.

[00:02:16]>> Honing in on the fact that Kiley voted to pass HR1, also known as President Trump's big beautiful bill.

[00:02:21]>> He voted to take food away from hungry families by making cuts to SNAP, including cuts to food for pregnant women and children on WIC.

[00:02:30]>> Ballots are still being counted, but only a few thousand votes currently separate Pan and Kiley in the recent primary election. How voters are feeling going into this general election is yet to be seen.

[00:02:43]>> And Pan's spokesperson provided ABT ABC10 with a statement today that says in part, quote, "Kiley is desperately trying to hide his truly extreme record from voters, including ripping away health care from over 44,000 people in this district." Of course, Pan is referring to the big beautiful bill.

[00:02:59]Now, in response, Kiley tells me that was a part of the legislation where he did not agree with Republicans and fought to increase Medicaid spending.

[00:03:07]Becca.

[00:03:07]>> Genie, thanks so much.