32 Legislative Seats in Los Angeles County Show Clear Leads as Counting Continues

Los Angeles County voters decided on 32 state legislative races in the 2026 general election, with partial counts showing established leaders in most districts by 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The California secretary of state’s office received these figures as election officials continued tabulating ballots. Results are not official until local election officers certify their county totals by December 3. The secretary of state must then certify all state results by December 11.

Several incumbent Democrats maintained substantial advantages in their districts. State Senator Caroline Menjivar led Republican Tony Rodriguez in the 20th District with 75% of the vote against 25%. Menjivar represents the northern San Fernando Valley area, including Burbank and Sylmar. In the 22nd District, Senator Susan Rubio held 68% of the vote over Republican Mike Netter, a 32% showing. Her district covers eastern San Gabriel Valley communities like El Monte and Pomona, along with parts of San Bernardino County.

In the 26th District, Sara Hernandez, the president of the Los Angeles Community College District board, led Sarah Rascón with 56% to 44%. Hernandez is set to replace Senator María Elena Durazo, who is moving to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The district includes Eagle Rock, Highland Park, and Boyle Heights. Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas led the 28th District race with 85% of the vote against Republican Joe Lisuzzo’s 15%. Senator Bob Archuleta held a 69% lead over Araceli Martinez in the 30th District, which includes Downey and Norwalk.

Competitions between Democrats in the 24th District saw media consultant Brian Goldsmith ahead of West Hollywood Councilmember John Erickson with 58% of the vote to 42%. This race to replace term-limited Senator Ben Allen was described as one of the most expensive of the cycle. In the 34th District, former Placentia Councilmember Rhonda Shader trailed Democratic Assemblymember Avelino Valencia by 32% to 68%. The district is mostly in Orange County but includes South Whittier.

Assembly races showed similar patterns of incumbent strength. Assemblymember Juan Carrillo led Paul Andre Marsh in the 39th District with 70% to 30%. The district spans parts of the Antelope Valley and San Bernardino County. In the 41st District, John Harabedian led Republican Adam Christopher Vena by 67% to 33%. Harabedian’s district includes Pasadena and Altadena. Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez won the 43rd District race with 80% of the vote against Ricardo Benitez, who received 20%. The district covers much of the San Fernando Valley, including Pacoima and Van Nuys.

In the 52nd District, Jessica Caloza held an 87% lead over Republican Andrea Lee Anderson. Caloza’s district includes East Los Angeles neighborhoods such as Lincoln Heights and Silver Lake. Assemblymember Mike Fong led Long “David” Liu in the 49th District with 68% to 32%. Fong represents San Gabriel Valley communities including Alhambra and San Gabriel. In the 54th District, Mark Gonzalez ran unopposed for a second term representing Koreatown, Chinatown, and Montebello.

Local election officials will continue processing ballots in the coming days. The final certification process requires local verification before the state confirms the winners. These deadlines ensure that all counted votes are reviewed before the new legislative terms officially begin.