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The California Legislature will look different this upcoming year with a third of state lawmakers turning over either because of term limits, new opportunities or resignations. Here's a look at what to expect.Democrats maintain supermajority, Republicans make some gains
The political makeup in the state legislature won't be too different in the upcoming term, with Democrats overall maintaining their supermajority and so far keeping most of the incumbents in place. Republicans did hold on to their competitive seats and may pick up a few new ones once election results are finalized.In the State Senate, 30 Democrats and nine Republicans have been elected so far. One very competitive race has yet to be called. As of Friday night, Republican Steven Choi was leading Democratic incumbent Josh Newman. If Republicans end up flipping Newman's Orange County area seat, it would be the first time the party does so in a Presidential general election since 1980. "California voters overwhelmingly returned a supermajority for Senate Democrats and reaffirmed super minority status for Senate Republicans.," said Jeff Gozo, a campaign consultant with the Senate Democratic caucus. "The numbers don’t lie - with 20 Senate seats up, voters elected Democrats in 16 races while Senate Republicans struggled to win just 3, with one still too close to call. As we’re seeing across the state - some races take longer than others to tally. Right now, Senator Newman is focused on making sure every vote is counted.”
In the State Assembly, 60 democrats and 19 Republicans so far have been elected. Republicans flipped a seat that had been held by termed-out Democratic Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, representing parts of the Coachella Valley. Republican Jeff Gonzalez is poised to win the seat over Democrat Joey Acuna. There's also one uncalled race that may also flip another seat from blue to red in another open seat that was held by termed-out Democratic Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes. As of Friday night, Republican Leticia Castillo lead Democrat Clarissa Cervantes in the district representing parts of Riverside.
"In a challenging year for Democrats nationwide, our members fought up and down in some extremely competitive races and I'm pleased we were able to return every incumbent to their seat," said Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. "These wins are a testament to their tenacity, connection with the community, and the democratic caucus' support for our members."
"The Democrats spent millions trying to unseat Laurie Davies, Greg Wallis, Josh Hoover, and they lost in each of those seats because we have a stronger message," said Assembly Republican Minority Leader James Gallagher. "I think we're really resonating with voters,
especially among Latino majority districts, republicans have done really well."