 Both faced serious challenges in their respective primaries, on June 6, 2006.In the November 7, 2006, general election, this race ordinarily would have been considered a safe Republican seat, since Pombo won reelection in 2004 by a comfortable 61% to 39% margin against McNerney.However, due to a contentious primary, a nationwide movement to oust Republicans, and strong organization by the McNerney campaign, the race became increasingly competitive over the course of the campaign season.