Democrats are aiming to maintain their supermajority, while Republicans are seeking to capture seats currently held by Democrats.
Following the Nov. 5 election, California’s Legislature will see a significant turnover, with 19 assemblymembers and 11 senators not returning to their posts. There are several closely contested races that could result in seats switching from Democrat to Republican.
Term limits, established by voters in 2012 with Proposition 28, dictate that lawmakers can serve a maximum of 12 years in the Legislature. This rule affects eight members of the Assembly and nine senators.
Assembly Speaker pro-Tempore Jim Wood, who has held the position since November 2023, is retiring. Additionally, some assemblymembers such as Evan Low, Luz Rivas, and Laura Friedman have resigned to pursue seats in Congress.
Assemblyman Kevin McCarty is running for Mayor of Sacramento, while former Assemblyman and current Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.) left his seat in June to fill a vacancy in Congress.
Four members unsuccessfully ran for local government positions in Los Angeles, and four Democratic assemblymembers—Carlos Villapudua, Tim Grayson, Eloise Reyes, and Sabrina Cervantes—retired to run for state Senate seats.
California’s Legislature is divided into 80 Assembly districts and 40 Senate districts, with the current composition favoring a Democratic supermajority. Democrats hold a 62-17 majority in the Assembly, with one vacant seat, and a 31-9 majority in the Senate. The Republican count in the Senate increased after Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil switched parties in August.
Assemblymembers serve two-year terms, while senators serve four-year terms, with 20 seats up for election every two years. Notable close races include the state’s 27th Assembly district, which covers parts of Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties.
Incumbent Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, a Democrat, faces a tough challenge from Republican Joanna Garcia Rose, a tax auditor, in this district.
Other key races include the 40th Assembly district, where incumbent Democratic Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo is up against Republican Patrick Lee Gipson, a retired deputy sheriff.
Both parties are fighting hard to secure key seats and potentially shift the balance of power in California’s Legislature.
I am running to protect parental rights and safeguard the future of our children.
In the 58th Assembly district of California, which covers parts of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the race is between Clarissa Cervantes, sister of incumbent Democratic Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes, and Republican psychotherapist Leticia Castillo.
Castillo led the primary with 48.6 percent of the votes, followed by Cervantes at 25.9 percent. Another Democratic candidate, Ronald Fierro, received 25.5 percent of the votes.
In the 60th Assembly district, which includes parts of Riverside County, incumbent Democratic Assemblyman Corey Jackson is seeking re-election. He garnered 51.8 percent of the primary vote and will face Republican business owner Ron Edwards, who received 27.1 percent, and Hector Diaz Nava, who got 21.1 percent.
Meanwhile, in the 76th Assembly district covering part of San Diego County, a close race is unfolding after Democratic Assemblyman Brian Maienschein decided to run for San Diego City Attorney. Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane is up against Democrat Darshana Patel. Bruce-Lane received 49.5 percent of the primary vote, while Patel got 34.2 percent and attorney Joseph Rocha received 16.4 percent.
Bruce-Lane aims to lower the cost of living, reduce taxes, tackle the fentanyl crisis, and enhance public safety, stating, “San Diego deserves better.”
On the other hand, Patel highlights her diverse background and education experience as key qualifications for the Assembly seat, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring every individual has the opportunity to succeed.
In the Senate, several Democrats and Republicans are facing term limits, with the majority expected to remain under the same party’s control based on primary results.
In the 37th Senate district, covering central Orange County, a competitive race is underway following incumbent Dave Min’s retirement. Democratic Sen. Josh Newman leads with 30.1 percent of the primary vote, while Republican Steven Choi earned 21.7 percent.
With the election approaching, candidates are actively campaigning in their districts to secure the necessary votes for victory in November.
