Editor’s note: The presidential nominating contests in both parties will come down to the California primary.
For Democrats, 548 delegates are at stake — 11.5% of the total. For Republicans, 172 delegates are at stage — 6.9% of the total. Of those, for Democrats, 158 (29%) are divided proportionally on a statewide basis, while 317 (58%) are divided proportionally by congressional district, with each district providing between 5 and 8 delegates. The remaining 73 (13%) are “superdelegates.”
For Republicans, 13 (8%) are awarded statewide, with ten going to the candidate with the highest number of votes on a winner-take-all basis, and three going to “pre-determined” delegates (the State Chair, National Committeewoman, National Committeeman). Meanwhile, 159 (92%) are awarded by congressional district on a winner-take-all basis, with each district providing 3 delegates.
The result: a district-by-district battle in both parties, which we preview for you here.
CA-33: This wealthy district, represented by Democrat Ted Lieu, is where a good portion of the fundraising for both parties takes place. The liberal corridor from Beverly Hills to Malibu is joined by the more conservative beach cities to the south, which were represented by a Republican in the not-too-distant past. Notably, Lieu offered a deep and scathing criticism of the Iran deal last year. The fight here will be intense, passionate — and extremely expensive.
Prospects:
Democrats: Clinton will have the edge, though Sanders will run very close and capture the core of the district.
Clinton 4, Sanders 3
Republicans: This is a swing district between Trump and Cruz, though Cruz will pull off a newsworthy victory.
Cruz 3, Trump 0, Kasich 0
Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News. His new e-book, Leadership Secrets of the Kings and Prophets: What the Bible’s Struggles Teach Us About Today, is on sale through Amazon Kindle Direct. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.