Where We Are at This Moment
The 2024 election has delivered significant outcomes, both nationally and locally. While some races have been decided, several key contests in California are still too close to call. As we await final vote counts and certification, the Lucas Public Affairs team is committed to providing timely analysis and insights. Here are some key takeaways on the implications for California and its communities.
Key Takeaways
- Presidential Race: Former President Donald Trump has secured the White House, bringing Republican control of the Senate and potentially a continued GOP majority in the House. Vice President Kamala Harris’s loss makes this election a landmark moment for California’s role in national politics, with broad policy implications.
- California’s Legislative Landscape: More than 30 new legislators will join the state Capitol, set to shape budget negotiations and policy for years. While Democrats will maintain supermajorities in both chambers, several key Senate and Assembly races remain undecided – affecting the direction of future legislation.
- Mayoral Races: In the San Francisco mayoral election, early returns indicate that Daniel Lurie, a philanthropist and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, is leading incumbent Mayor London Breed. Lurie has promised to streamline development processes in the city. In Sacramento, the mayoral race remains too close to call. Assemblymember Kevin McCarty is currently leading over Dr. Flojaune Cofer.
Races to Watch
- Congressional: Several California congressional districts are experiencing tight races that could determine the control of the U.S. House. Early partial returns reveal close contests across districts from Southern California to the Central Valley, with Republicans marginally leading in several competitive seats.
- CA Senate: SD 19 (Inland Empire) and SD 23 (Antelope Valley) are critical; these races could shift the balance of Republican representation.
- CA Assembly: AD 36 (Imperial County), AD 47 (Riverside County), and AD 58 (Inland Empire) are too close to call, with potential Republican pickups that could change the dynamics in the Legislature.
Ballot Measures
California voters supported investments in public infrastructure, passing bond measures for school facilities (Prop 2) and climate initiatives (Prop 4). Propositions to raise the minimum wage (Prop 32) and expand rent control (Prop 33) did not pass, reflecting the state’s complex economic outlook.
What’s Next
We will continue tracking these tight races and the evolving political landscape. Due to California’s extensive vote-by-mail process and the time needed to count provisional ballots, some local races may take weeks to finalize. Expect detailed analyses in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here are a few articles that offer insights on the election’s outcomes:
What We’re Reading
- With Donald Trump as president, Gavin Newsom poised to become ‘leader of the resistance’ (San Francisco Chronicle)
- Wrapping up the California vote, uncertain and mixed results for Democrats (CalMatters)
- California Prop Roundup: What Passed, What Failed, and What’s Still Up in the Air (KQED)
- California voters pass Proposition 36, taking tougher stance on retail theft, crime (Sacramento Bee)
- Statement: Governor Newsom on the 2024 Presidential Election
Want more in-depth coverage?
Join #TeamLPA for A Post-Mortem of the 2024 Election tomorrow, November 7, hosted in partnership with the University of California Student and Policy Center and Capitol Weekly. Panel discussions will be held on Zoom.