Democrat Eric Jones advanced to the November ballot on Friday, taking the second slot in California’s top-two, nonpartisan June 2 primary for the 4th Congressional District. Jones, a 35-year-old former venture capitalist, will face fellow Democratic Rep. Mike Thompson, who was first elected to the U.S. House in 1998 after serving as a state lawmaker. The district, which includes the Napa-Sonoma wine country and stretches across a wide swath of Northern California north of the state capital, will remain in Democratic hands with both candidates on the ballot.
The contest is the second generational challenge against a California U.S. House Democrat this cycle. Rep. Doris Matsui, 81, who replaced her late husband in the House in 2005, is facing a challenge from Sacramento City Councilwoman Mai Vang, 41. Vang advanced past the primary to face Matsui in November. The two races highlight a broader trend of younger Democrats challenging veteran incumbents, a dynamic previously reported by MSI in February.