‘The War Chest To Prove It’: Rep. Young Kim Nearly Outraises Dem Opponents Combined In Q1 2025

Republican California Rep. Young Kim has raised $1.29 million in the first quarter of 2025 for her 2026 reelection campaign, marking a bold stance in keeping the Golden State’s 40th congressional district red.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has labeled California’s 40th congressional district— which occupies portions of Orange, San Bernadino and Riverside Counties in Southern California— “in play” for the 2026 midterms as it looks to unseat Kim. The congresswoman’s funds place her campaign in an accelerated position as the field of Democratic challengers takes shape. (RELATED: House Democrats Set Their Sights On 35 Republican Incumbents)

In total, the Democrats running in California’s 40th district have raised $1.38 million. Kim alone has gathered $1.29 million.

The congresswoman has raised a total of $1,285,569.61 and her cash on hand exceeds that, capping off at $2,580,292.51, according to data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC). None of her money came from self-funds, showing her to be a formidable candidate with serious donation backing.

In comparison, declared Democratic candidates in the race include art dealer Esther Kim Varet who has raised $1,006,245.12 million and has just under a million cash on hand and former school board member Christina Gagnier with $305,439.39 raised and roughly $250,000 cash on hand.

Kim’s 2024 opponent Joe Kerr, who filed paperwork for the race but has yet to officially declare his candidacy, raised $77,367.04 and has just under $20,000 cash on hand. Kim defeated Kerr by 11 points last cycle.

“I am so grateful for all of Team Young’s amazing supporters. I’m no stranger to tough races — every dollar counts. It means the world to me that our message continues to gain momentum and my community sees that I am continuing to deliver results,” Young Kim told the Daily Caller News Foundation via email. “We are operating full steam ahead and will continue to be everywhere in CA-40 talking directly with voters through next November.”

NEW: I’m leading the CA GOP delegation in demanding an investigation into reports of fake community college applications in California that have stolen millions in federal & state student aid.

This rampant fraud is a disgrace to California taxpayers.https://t.co/KsKpCEp2xR

— Young Kim (@RepYoungKim) April 11, 2025

“While Democrats are burning personal cash just to stay afloat, Congresswoman Young Kim has the backing of California voters who believe in her proven leadership, and she’s got the war chest to prove it,” NRCC spokesman Christian Martinez told the DCNF.

The non-partisan Cook Political Report rates the contest in Kim’s district as “Lean Republican.”

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