California voters turn to governor, House seats in historic midterm shift

Polls in Riverside County closed at 8 p.m. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, marking the end of a pivotal election cycle for California voters. The state conducted its election largely by mail, with in-person polling stations operating from 7 a.m. To 8 p.m. For those who preferred to vote in person at local sites in towns such as Riverside, San Bernardino, and Fontana. The election featured an open seat for governor, as no incumbent was running, with candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties on the ballot. Every U.S. House seat in the state was also up for election, alongside various state and local offices and ballot measures.

The absence of a U.S. Senate race in California this year shifted the statewide spotlight to the gubernatorial contest and the House districts. In Riverside County, voters in Anaheim, Moreno Valley, and Ontario cast ballots for their representatives in the California State Assembly and State Senate, as well as for local municipal offices and school boards. The state's election included recalls and local ballot measures in addition to the major federal and state offices. The high volume of mail-in ballots meant that while polls closed on Tuesday, the final tally of votes continued to accumulate over the following days.

Nationally, the results signaled a dramatic shift in power. Democrats won control of the U.S. Senate, gaining seven seats from the Republicans. As of 10:29 PM ET on November 5, Democrats had won 20 and Republicans 13 of the 35 U.S. Senate races, with two remaining uncalled. This outcome reversed the previous Republican majority, which had stood at 53-47 before the election. This victory was part of a broader Democratic wave fueled by voter dissatisfaction with the current administration and economic conditions.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats also secured a significant victory. Democrats won 248 seats while Republicans won 150 as of 8:52 PM ET on November 5, with 37 races still uncalled. This net gain of 33 seats for Democrats in the House represents a substantial increase from their previous standing. Corruption and the cost of living were top concerns for voters, which contributed to the Democratic surge across the country. In California, this translated to strong performances by Democratic candidates in various House districts, including those in the Inland Empire.

The national results also impacted the governorships nationwide. Democrats won 22 of the 36 gubernatorial races, with Republicans winning 12 and two remaining uncalled. Five governorships changed party control, all shifting to Democratic hands. This trend mirrored the results in California, where the open governor's seat became a key battleground. The election served as a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term, with voters angry over high prices and the war in Iran. The shift in state leadership positions underscores the broad reach of the Democratic victory.

For Riverside County residents, the election also included several statewide ballot measures. Proposition 1 proposed issuing $11.25 billion in bonds to fund housing programs, including the Multifamily Housing Program and the CalVet Home Loan Program. Proposition 37 aimed to establish a second mortgage homebuyer program and issue $25 billion in bonds to assist qualified homebuyers. These measures reflect the state's ongoing focus on addressing housing affordability, a critical issue in fast-growing areas like Moreno Valley and Fontana. Ballotpedia listed these as significant items on the November 3 ballot, alongside other measures related to budget stabilization and education funding.

More than 59 million people had already cast ballots before Tuesday, surpassing early-voter turnout from 2022. This high level of pre-election voting is consistent with California's mail-ballot system, which allows voters to submit their ballots well before Election Day. In Riverside County, local election officials facilitated the collection and counting of these ballots, ensuring that every vote was recorded accurately. The smooth operation of the election process in the county highlighted the efficiency of California's election infrastructure, a point frequently cited in analyses of the state's voting methods.

The election results also had implications for the national political landscape. Democrats' victory in Congress would allow them to ramp up oversight and investigations, with a particular focus on government corruption. In California, this meant that newly elected Democratic leaders in the state legislature would work alongside federal counterparts to advance their agendas. The shift in power in Washington, D.C., is expected to influence policy decisions that affect California, including those related to federal funding for infrastructure and healthcare. Investors reacted positively to the Democratic wins, with tech stocks soaring on Wednesday.

In the Inland Empire, the election results reflected broader regional trends. Voters in San Bernardino and Ontario turned out in significant numbers, with many expressing frustration over the cost of living and the impact of the Iran war on gas prices. Record Election Day diesel and gasoline prices helped push Americans toward Democrats, with voters citing the cost of living as a primary factor in their decisions. This sentiment was particularly strong in working-class communities in Riverside County, where the economic burden of rising prices has been felt acutely. The Democratic gains in the state align with this voter sentiment, suggesting a mandate for change in both state and federal policies.