Proposition 50<\/a> \u2014 the November 2025 ballot initiative that redrew the state\u2019s districts to favor Democrats \u2014 made massive change to the North State district.<\/p>\nAssemblymember James Gallagher, a Yuba City Republican, garnered 65,915 votes, or 62.6%, to complete his former mentor\u2019s term. State Senator Mike McGuire, a North Coast Democrat, got 18,575 votes, or 17.6%.<\/p>\n
The new 1st District map includes areas closer to the ocean that are much bluer. In that race for the next two-year term, Gallagher also got the most votes with McGuire coming in second: 49,625 to 39,416, or 47.2% to 37.6%.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe numbers are looking pretty good,\u201d Gallagher told Courthouse News Tuesday night after the first results had trickled in. \u201cIt\u2019s looking pretty good that we\u2019ll blow it away on the special.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gallagher also expressed optimism about the regular election, as he claimed McGuire \u2014 a member of the Democratic supermajority in the Legislature \u2014 had the district drawn to favor himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d Gallagher added. \u201cWe\u2019re not final in those numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n
McGuire thanked voters in a Tuesday night statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome this November, we will flip this seat and give the people what they deserve \u2014 a fighter who never folds, a leader who will deliver for rural California, and a representative who will hold Donald Trump accountable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The runoff for the special election is Aug. 4, which will occur regardless of Gallagher receiving over 50% of the vote Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
The race for former U.S. Representative and gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell\u2019s Bay Area seat had similar issues. Swalwell\u2019s departure from politics also led to a special election for his remaining term. However, that special election for the 14th Congressional District won\u2019t happen until June 16.<\/p>\n
The election for the seat\u2019s two-year term happened Tuesday. State Senator Aisha Wahab, a Silicon Valley Democrat, received 23,296 votes, or 34.3%. Former Dublin Mayor and Democrat Melissa Hernandez took 10,933 votes, or 16.1%.<\/p>\n
Both candidates also are running in the special election.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for all your support for the June 2nd election!\u201d Wahab\u2019s Facebook page posted Wednesday. \u201cBut it\u2019s not over yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Proposition 50 played havoc with a handful of races. U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, who represents the 3rd District that runs along California\u2019s eastern border, opted to leave the Republican Party and run as an unaffiliated candidate in the newly drawn 6th Congressional District against Democrats like former state Senator Richard Pan and Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. The new district is more compact and dips into the Sacramento area.<\/p>\n
Kiley took 28,362 votes to Republican Michael Stansfield\u2019s 23,493 votes, or 26.8% to 22.2%.<\/p>\n
Competition<\/p>\n
For James Adams, a political science professor at UC Davis, primaries offer little information as to what California voters truly want.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou select your leaders from the candidates you have, not the candidates you want,\u201d Adams told Courthouse News.<\/p>\n
However, Adams does see the potential for the state again becoming competitive.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s because Republican Steve Hilton and nonpartisan candidate Spencer Pratt had strong showings in the governor and Los Angeles mayor races, respectfully. Both received endorsements from Trump. Adams said competitive, electoral threats to Democrats could force that party to escape what he called its flat, stale and lethargic state.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt may get the Democrats\u2019 attention,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
While that endorsement could be a boon for the primary election, it could act as a lead weight to Republicans come November, Adams said.<\/p>\n
Pointing to Proposition 50, Adams said it appears to have accomplished its goal \u2014 getting Democrats four to five more congressional seats. However, he added a caveat, questioning whether that gain can be linked to the redistricting or to voter backlash to Trump.<\/p>\n
Headed to November<\/p>\n
A handful of California contests have garnered national attention.<\/p>\n
U.S. Representative Adam Gray got 20,481 votes, or 40.9%, in his election to keep his 13th district seat. Former Stockton Mayor and Republican Kevin Lincoln got second with 14,577 votes, or 29.1%.<\/p>\n
Gray was one of six Democrats who sided with Republicans to end last year\u2019s federal government shutdown. Two Republicans sought to unseat him in the swing district that includes Modesto and Merced.<\/p>\n
In the 22nd District race, Republican U.S. Representative David Valadao took 18,256 votes to Democrat Randy Villegas\u2019 12,234 \u2014 44.5% to 29.8%.<\/p>\n
Democratic Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains currently is third with 10,529. Bains is trying to unseat the incumbent in the district which sits roughly between Fresno and Bakersfield.<\/p>\n
Bains has made headlines for bucking her party. She was the lone Democrat to oppose the bill that redrew the congressional districts under Proposition 50.<\/p>\n
The 45th Congressional District in Orange County is another closely watched race.<\/p>\n
Democratic U.S. Representative Derek Tran won 50,265 votes, or 49.7%, in his bid to keep his seat. Coming in second was Republican Chuong V. Vo, who took 16,465 votes, or 16.3%.<\/p>\n
Two years ago, Tran ousted Republican Michelle Steel by some 600 votes. He faced five Republican contenders on Tuesday\u2019s ballot.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am proud of this history-making campaign,\u201d Tran said in a statement, adding: \u201cI am guided by what is best for my community, my country and my conscience.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 48th District, at the state\u2019s southern border, drew nine Democrats, two Republicans and one unaffiliated candidate in a race to succeed outgoing Republican U.S. Representative Darrell Issa.<\/p>\n
Republican Jim Desmond took the most votes with 43,548, or 41.6%. Democrat Marni von Wilpert came in second with 20,358, or 19.5%.<\/p>\n
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