Partial results from the November 3, 2026, general election indicate shifting leads in several Los Angeles County legislative contests. Voters in the region are currently deciding the outcome of 32 different races, including eight State Senate seats and 24 Assembly districts .
The Battle for SD-20: West Hollywood's Erickson vs. Advisor Goldsmith
In State Senate District 20, a competitive dynamic has emerged between two Democratic candidates, John Erickson and Brian Goldsmith. John Erickson previously established his political footprint as a member of the West Hollywood City Council starting in 2020. In contrast, Brian Goldsmith enters the race withoout prior elected experience, though he previously served as an advisor to former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and worked on Hillary Clinton's 2000 U.S. Senate campaign.
This race is particularly significant given the district's geography, which spans from the coastal areas to the San Fernando Valley and extends into San Bernardino County. According to the report, the contest will determine who represents a diverse stretch of communities including Burbank, El Monte, and Chino.
Sara Hernandez's Early Lead in the Race to Replace María Elena Durazo
The race for State Senate District 26 has opened up because Senator María Elena Durazo is transitioning to a role on the L.A. County Board of Supervisors. Currently, Sara Hernandez, an affordable housing advocate and president of the Los Angeles Community College District board, holds an early lead over her opponent, environmental advocate Sarah Rascón.
This contest reflects a broader trend of Democratic internal competition for influential seats in urban hubs. the district encompasses a dense mix of residential and commercial zones, including Koreatown, Boyle Heights, and the city of Vernon, making the winner's platform on housing and environment critical for the region.
Deborah Klein Lopez's 67% Lead in Assembly District 40
A stark partisan divide is evident in Assembly District 40, where Democrat Deborah Klein Lopez holds a massive lead over Republican Adam Christopher Vena. As the report says, Deborah Klein Lopez has secured approximately 67% of the vote compared to 33% for Adam Christopher Vena, a sanittaion employee.
This district covers a wide geographic area, including Pasadena and Altadena in Los Angeles County as well as Rancho Cucamonga in San Bernardino County. Such a wide margin suggests that in certain pockets of the Los Angeles Basin, Democratic incumbents or candidates maintain a nearly insurmountable advantage regardless of the broader political climate.
Tony Strickland's Push for a Third Term in Assembly District 39
In Assembly District 39, Republican Senator Tony Strickland is maintaining a comfortable lead over fellow Republican Araceli Martinez. Senator Tony Strickland is seeking his third and final term in a district that bridges southeastern L.A. County—including Downey and Whittier—and the community of Brea in Orange County.
The primary challenge for Tony Strickland in this race is not a partisan shift, but rather a challenge from within his own party by small business owner Araceli Martinez. This internal Republican friction highlights the varying priorities within the conservative base in the L.A.-Orange County border region.
The December 11 Deadline for Secretary of State Certification
While partial returns provide a snapshot, finality will not be reached until the California secretary of state's office certifies all results by December 11. Local election officials have a shorter window, with a deadline of December 3 to certify their specific county results.
Significant questions remain regarding the reporting of Assembly District 34 and 40. The source provides conflicting data, claiming Juan Carrillo is trailing in both AD-40 and AD-34 to replace Tom Lackey, while simultaneously reporting Deborah Klein Lopez as the leader in AD-40. It remains unclear which candidate is actually contesting which specific seat, as the source attributes the replacement of Tom Lackey to two different races.
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