Janice Hahn, Debra Bowen ahead in first returns in race to replace former Rep. Jane Harman

Increasing the likelihood of California's first-ever runoff between members of the same party, Democrats Janice Hahn and Debra Bowen were running ahead of the 16-candidate field to replace former Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice), according to early returns Tuesday night.

But conservative businessman Craig Huey, a Republican who pumped $500,000 of his own money into the race, was running a close third -- a strong showing, given the district’s heavy Democratic tilt and the presence of five other Republicans on the ballot.

Another Republican, Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin, was narrowly ahead of anti-war activist and teacher Marcy Winograd in early returns. Winograd had twice challenged Harman in Democratic primaries, winning almost 41% of the vote last June.

None of the candidates was anywhere close to winning a majority, which would be required to avoid a July 12 runoff.

Election results can be found at the county Registrar-Recorder's website.

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-- Jean Merl