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ELECTION RECAP - Here’s a recap of the 2024 California election results, focusing on the presidential race, the significant Senate contest, key House seats, statewide propositions, and local legislative races.
Presidential Race: California’s 54 Electoral Votes Remain Democratic
California’s powerful 54 electoral votes once again went to the Democratic candidate. While major urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco secured the majority, parts of the state continued to lean Republican, especially in rural areas. California's strong Democratic base played a critical role in the overall presidential race.
U.S. Senate Race: The High-Stakes Schiff-Garvey Contest
The 2024 election was pivotal for California’s U.S. Senate seat, following the passing of longtime Senator Dianne Feinstein. In an unprecedented situation, Californians voted to fill Feinstein’s seat both for the remaining months of her term and a full six-year term starting in January.
The race pitted Rep. Adam Schiff, a Burbank Democrat and seasoned congressman, against Steve Garvey, the Republican former Dodgers player and Palm Desert resident. Schiff’s political experience in Washington and Garvey’s outsider appeal made for a competitive and closely-watched race. Regardless of the outcome, California’s Senate representation will undergo a historic shift, as this will be the first time in a generation that the state does not have a female senator.
Congressional Races: Key House Seats in Play
California’s congressional races, especially in swing districts, were critical to determining control of the House of Representatives. The state’s 52 districts include competitive seats in Orange County, the Central Valley, and the Inland Empire. These battlegrounds could affect the balance of power in the House, with Democrats hoping to gain enough seats nationwide to secure a majority.
Notably, California’s 47th District—previously held by Rep. Katie Porter—saw a fierce race between Democrat Dave Min and Republican Scott Baugh. California also featured a strong presence of Asian and Pacific Islander candidates, a reflection of the state’s diverse population and shifting political landscape.
Ballot Propositions: Voters Weigh in on Key Issues
California’s direct democracy tradition brought 10 statewide propositions to voters, with significant issues at stake:
- Proposition 3: Approved, codifying same-sex marriage rights in the state constitution.
- Proposition 4: Passed, allowing billions of dollars for wildfire prevention and climate response.
- Proposition 6: Passed, banning involuntary servitude in state prisons.
- Proposition 33: A closely-watched measure on rent control, with heavy financial opposition, drew strong debate but narrowly failed to pass.
- Proposition 5: Approved, lowering the vote threshold for passing local housing-related bonds from two-thirds to 55%, impacting local infrastructure initiatives like Pasadena Measure PL: The ballot measures highlighted California’s progressive approach to social and environmental issues, though rent control remains a divisive topic.
Recall Elections in Oakland: Crime in Focus
Two Oakland officials faced recall efforts, largely due to concerns over rising crime and public safety. The recalls reflect a growing call for accountability and action on crime across the state. Voters in Oakland sent a message about their expectations for local government responsiveness.
State Senate and Assembly Races: Democrats Hold Their Majority
With half of the 40 Senate seats and all 80 Assembly seats up for election, Republicans sought to challenge the Democrats’ supermajority. Despite these efforts, Democrats retained control, though some individual districts saw tighter races due to the 2020 redistricting. These results mean California’s Democratic-led legislature will likely continue its focus on progressive policy initiatives, though competition remains in key districts.
California’s Role in the National Picture
In the 2024 election, California once again showed its influence on the national stage. The state’s support in the presidential race, key Senate contest, and battleground House districts demonstrates California’s ongoing role as a progressive powerhouse. With a commitment to direct democracy and an increasingly diverse electorate, the 2024 results reveal both California’s evolving priorities and its enduring influence on the direction of American politics.
More analysis to come...
