DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook sailed into the general election against incumbent U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher this week after beating 25-year-old political newcomer Dan Kalmick in the 46th Congressional District primary.

Cook scored a knockout on Kalmick in the primaries Tuesday, garnering 13,251 votes, or 80% of the vote in the final count. Kalmick managed to grab 3,323 votes, or 20% of the vote.

With a 17% voter turnout for Orange County and a predictable win for Cook projected, both candidates dispensed with the traditional election night watch parties.

Cook was on the road Tuesday night as the polls closed, on her way to visit her son who works for the U.S. Forest Service in Northern California before heading to a League of Cities meeting in Lake Tahoe.

“We’ve always focused on November, and we’ll continue to focus on November,” said Cook on her cellphone from the road. “We’re happy we’re past the June primaries, and we’ll continue to gain momentum toward our ultimate goal.”

Kalmick watched presidential primary results on television with roommates at his home in Huntington Beach and kept an eye on local election results online as early returns showed sparse support for his congressional bid.

“I’m very disappointed in voter turnout ...” Kalmick said. “We had no support from the Democratic party or any party activists, but we had a very good showing for no support — we’re optimistic because it kind of shows what you can do with no support. [Cook] had all the name recognition.”

Kalmick, a Seal Beach native and business technology consultant, would have been the youngest representative in Congress if he won the general election against incumbent Dana Rohrabacher.

Kalmick said he planned to stay involved in Democratic politics and would seek office again — possibly making a bid for Cook’s seat on the Huntington Beach City Council this summer.

“This was a fantastic experience,” Kalmick said. “I loved meeting people and hearing different points of view. I love learning things and it’s something I’m interested in that can make a larger impact on things.”

Cook said building name recognition with voters would be her biggest obstacle in the November general election.

“You just have to get out and meet the voters and be comfortable with who you represent,” Cook said. “The supporters are awesome — they’ve been tireless and really fun to work with.”

Cook faced a lawsuit over her use of the title “Mayor of Huntington Beach” on congressional ballots earlier this year from Keith Carlson, treasurer of the California Republican Party and a constituent in Cook’s district.

GOP activist and attorney Mike Schroeder acted as Carlson’s attorney.

The lawsuit, which contended Cook couldn’t use the title on the ballot because it isn’t a directly elected possession, was eventually dismissed.

Cook said Tuesday that she expected more clashes with Republicans during the course of her campaign.

“I don’t let these things distract me — I just let the attorneys take that on,” she said. “I’m sure they’ll be back, but we’ll just move forward.”

RESULTS

DEBBIE COOK

80%

DAN KALMICK

20%

BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.