19. (3 points) The Hope Cup Committee in a certain area is arranging examination rooms for candidates participating in the Hope Cup examination. If each examination room is arranged for 30 candidates, there will be one examination room with 26 candidates; if each examination room is arranged for 26 candidates, there will be one examination room with 20 candidates, and it will require 9 more examination rooms than the previous arrangement. The number of candidates participating in the examination in this area is $\qquad$.

19. (3 points) The Hope Cup Committee in a certain area arranges examination rooms for candidates participating in the Hope Cup examination. If each examination room is arranged for 30 candidates, there will be one examination room with 26 candidates; if each examination room is arranged for 26 candidates, there will be one examination room with 20 candidates, and 9 more examination rooms will be used compared to the first arrangement. The number of candidates participating in the examination in this area is _1736_.
【Analysis】First, convert the problem statement into a standard surplus and deficit problem. If arranged in 30-candidate rooms, there will be 4 fewer candidates; if arranged in 26-candidate rooms, there will be $26 \times 8 + 20 = 228$ more candidates.
【Solution】Solution: According to the problem, we know:
The problem is converted to 4 fewer candidates in 30-candidate rooms, and 228 more candidates in 26-candidate rooms.
The number of examination rooms is $(228 + 4) \div (30 - 26) = 58$ (rooms).
The total number of students is $58 \times 30 - 4 = 1736$ (students).
Therefore, the answer is: 1736
【Comment】This problem tests the understanding and application of surplus and deficit problems. The key is to analyze the surplus and deficit numbers in both arrangements, and the problem can be solved.