GOP running strong in early state Congressional races, while Dems take early leads in swing Assembly districts

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California may well be among the states where Republicans pad their new majority in the House of Representatives. But in the state Assembly, Democrats are looking to add to their 51-seat majority.

With more than half of the precincts reporting, Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) is leading Democrat Ami Bera in what Democrats are hoping may be a rare pickup on a night when Democrats have lost control of the House. David Harmer is clinging to a narrow lead over Democratic incumbent Jerry McNerney with about one-quarter of the vote counted.

Early returns also show a tight race between Democrat Loretta Sanchez (D-Santa Ana) and Republican Assemblyman Van Tran (R-Westminster).

All races are still up for grabs and have lots of votes left to be counted.

But prospects are brighter for Democratic Assembly candidates in early returns. With more than half the votes counted, Democrat Richard Pan holds a 51% to 45% lead over Republican Andy Pugno in a seat currently held by Republicans. Democratic incumbent Alyson Huber holds an early 8-point lead over Republican Jack Sieglock, and Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan is locked in a tight race with San Ramon Mayor Abram Wilson.

Stay tuned to PolitiCal for updates on these and other important races around the state.

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-- Anthony York