Art Dealer Esther Kim Varet Loses California Primary Bid

Esther Kim Varet, owner of Various Small Fires gallery, failed to advance to the general election in California's 40th Congressional District. With 85% of votes counted, she placed third at 16.6%, behind Republican incumbents Ken Calvert (35%) and Young Kim (20.9%). California's nonpartisan jungle primary sends only the top two candidates to the general election. Kim Varet, the highest-placing Democrat, raised $2.86 million from January 2025 through mid-May, with contributors including artists Marilyn Minter, Zoe Buckman, and Todd Gray, and dealers Jessica Silverman, Nicola Vassell, and Gordon VeneKlasen. She entered the race in early 2025 against Young Kim, but the district was redrawn in November when California voters approved a plan to favor Democrats, causing Calvert to switch from the 41st to the 40th district. Kim Varet moved her gallery from Los Angeles County to Tustin in Orange County last year to align with the district. The Associated Press called the race tonight.