Bitter California Republican feud turns toxic as congressman claims rival will ‘betray’ President Trump

Two Republican members of Congress who once served together are now butting heads as recent redistricting has combined their constituencies, leaving room for only one.

Now, one says the other is a RINO — a Republican In Name Only.

“The last thing President Trump needs in Congress are RINO Republicans like Young Kim who will betray him and his agenda.

“Young Kim has proven she’ll say or do anything to save her job, which is why neither voters nor President Trump can trust her,” Rep. Ken Calvert told The California Post of his rival Rep. Young Kim.

The two represent parts of Orange and Riverside counties — now combined under one district. The competition has been fierce, and both sides have spent millions on ads accusing each other of not being conservative enough.

“I am confident voters in this district know that I am the only effective and consistent conservative running in this race. I’ve worked with President Trump to rebuild our military, secure our border, and cut taxes for California families,” Calvert told the Post.

“My opponent, Young Kim, has worked with Democrats to censure and condemn President Trump and backed the DIGNIDAD Act to give away amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants. It’s a clear choice for conservative voters,” he added.

Kim was a co-sponsor of the DIGNIDAD Act, which, among other provisions, would allow undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. who pass criminal background checks to obtain legal status for five to 10 years.

Participants would be required to pay a $10,000 fine, pass a background check, and continuously contribute to a U.S. worker fund.

Calvert’s comments came after Kim’s most recent attack ad left political observers off guard for its “brutal” and “insane” relentlessness in targeting Calvert. The ad starts by referencing a 2009 news article to imply Calvert is corrupt.

“But he’s not just swampy, he’s sleazy,” the narrator says. “Calvert got busted with a prostitute, pants down in his car, tried to flee, then lied to police.

“No wonder President Trump can’t trust Calvert,” the ad continues.

According to reports on the referenced 1994 Calvert incident, the then-rookie congressman was caught by police with his pants unzipped.

After a local newspaper sued for the police reports, Calvert acknowledged the “extremely embarrassing” situation but insisted he never knew the woman was a prostitute and did not pay for sex.

He apologized for his “inappropriate” behavior, said he would seek counseling, and attributed the incident to personal family trauma.

Calvert has also been laying the groundwork and reaching out to supporters, some of whom told the Post he is the only candidate in the race.

“It’s no contest. Whether it’s national security, domestic policy, border security, immigration, or the 2nd Amendment, Ken Calvert is the true and effective conservative. And he always has been,” Ken Khachigian, chief speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan, said.

Similarly, others have weighed in.

“He knows who he is, and he never loses sight of who he serves. His consistent advocacy for our residents and our cities is a major reason voters continue to stand behind him,” Wes Speake, vice mayor of Corona, told the Post.

Kim faces a tougher reelection fight in California’s newly drawn 40th Congressional District after Calvert announced he would leave the neighboring 41st District. Calvert, a MAGA Republican, likely saw little chance of winning in the redrawn district, which now includes more Democrat-leaning voters in Los Angeles County.

The Post has reached out to the Kim campaign for comment.

Positioning herself as a “Trump Republican,” Kim has accused Calvert of putting his own interests ahead of President Trump’s agenda. Regardless, both candidates are aiming to position themselves as more closely aligned with Trump than the other.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters