Democrats and Republicans agreed on at least one thing before November's election: California would play a central role in determining which party controls the U.S. House.

One is the longest-serving woman in congressional history.

A handful of closely matched California U.S. House races could determine which party controls the chamber.

A string of California U.S. House races remains in play, and the outcome could make the difference in which party controls the chamber next year.

President Joe Biden’s visit to California and Oregon this week comes close to Election Day and shows how Democrats are calling in reinforcements in states that are typically afterthoughts for the party.