This week, millions of Californians turned out to exercise their right to vote. Some results are already set in stone, but as has become the norm, many of the important races throughout California and the nation are too close to call – and may remain so for weeks.
Below is a quick recap of the known results at this point and the big questions that linger.
Statewide Offices
Democrats continue to dominate California’s top statewide offices. Gov. Gavin Newsom sailed to an easy victory over Sen. Brian Dahle in his reelection bid. The six other Democrats running for statewide office also lead in their races. The state controller race, which some saw as the best opportunity for a Republican to win statewide office since 2006, remains too close to officially call, but Democrat Malia Cohen holds a commanding lead.
Proposition Roundup
- Proposition 1 (Reproductive Rights) – Proposition 1 passed with overwhelming support, following a nationwide trend of pro-choice initiatives on the ballot.
- Propositions 26 and 27 (Gaming) – California voters rejected efforts to legalize sports wagering by a wide margin. A notable takeaway for politicos is the margins of defeat for the two measures with both failing by over 40 points.
- Proposition 28 (Arts in Education) – Notable for its lack of organized opposition, California voters approved Proposition 28 to increase funding for the arts in public schools.
- Proposition 29 (Dialysis) – In a third attempt to pass stricter staff requirements for kidney dialysis clinics, proponents of Proposition 29 failed – again.
- Proposition 30 (Wildfire and Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure) – In one of the more controversial ballot fights of the year, Proposition 30 failed. Splitting from the state Democratic Party, Governor Newsom aligned with the California GOP in endorsing the No on Prop 30 campaign.
- Proposition 31 (Flavored Tobacco Referendum) – Tobacco industry leaders failed in their efforts to repeal a statewide ban on flavored tobacco products.
California Legislature
Many of the most contested races in the California State Assembly and Senate remain too close to call. Sacramento’s Assembly District 7 remains a tossup with incumbent Assemblyman Ken Cooley holding a very narrow lead over Republican Josh Hoover. Meanwhile, Angelique Ashby maintains a lead over Dave Jones in the D-on-D race for Senate District 8. Democrats are poised to retain their supermajority in both houses of the Legislature.
National Races
Republicans are well positioned to take over the House of Representatives, but there’s no evidence of the overwhelming “red wave” predicted by some analysts. A large number of contested races too close to call as of now could help shape that narrative in the coming days. Many California races could change the tide.
Three states remain in play in the Senate – Arizona, Nevada and Georgia. Arizona is currently leaning Democrat with 68 percent of the vote accounted for. The key races in Nevada and Georgia will decide the fate of the Senate. With neither candidate earning over 50 percent of the vote, Georgia’s senate race is heading to a runoff election.
Team LPA will continue to monitor election results as they are tabulated. To keep up to date on the most current statewide results, visit the California Secretary of State’s results website.