California midterm election: Mike Garcia and Christy Smith on abortion, economy, gun laws

Hannah Fry, Seema Mehta
·1 min read
2
From left; Rep. Mike Garcia, former Assembly member Christy Smith
Republican Rep. Mike Garcia and Democratic former Assemblymember Christy Smith.

Republican Congressman Mike Garcia and former Assemblywoman Christy Smith, a Democrat, are vying to represent a northern Los Angeles County district that includes Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita and a sliver of the city of Los Angeles.

The race is one of 10 key California contests in the Nov. 8 midterm election that could determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives. The formerly Republican district has become bluer, as L.A. residents have moved in seeking affordable housing.

Smith's answers are drawn from a questionnaire sent to candidates in competitive California congressional races; the responses have been edited for clarity and length. Garcia did not respond, so information about his views were collected from his congressional record, public comments, campaign website, social media and news coverage of the race.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.