GET ME REWRITE: Tom Kisken of USA Today does his homework, while Jennifer Medina at the New York Times does not

Reported in Republicans claim California seat vacated by Rep. Katie Hill.  (USA Today, 5/13/2020)

Although I have to ask, Tom, how does a congressional district 'swing' when it remains in control by the same party for 25 years?

Source:  Ballotpedia

Original 5/13/2020 post, "Awaiting a correction from David Leonhardt at the New York Times", starts here

No, David, the district does not normally lean Democratic.

California uses a 'top-two primary' system.  Since no Democrat to run in 2014, the general election featured a match-up between Republicans Steve Knight (53.3%) and Tony Strickland (46.7%)


Related reading:
Mike Garcia, G.O.P. House Candidate, Is Ahead in California.  (The New York Times, 5/12/2020)