The expected Republican wave never materialized at the national level and at the state level Democrats scored overwhelming victories as expected. Pundits still are postulating theories for why the GOP fell short in a period of economic uncertainty.
It’s harder to parse the results of the races in Orange County, where voters sent mixed messages. One of the most closely watched congressional races is the 47th congressional district in South County. Democratic incumbent Katie Porter, a progressive firebrand, is holding a slim lead against her conservative Republican challenger Scott Baugh. We’ll get the answer in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Republican Michelle Steel won a solid victory over perennial candidate Jay Chen in the 45th congressional district. U.S. Rep. Young Kim, a Republican who championed her moderate positions, scored an even stronger victory over Democrat Asif Mahmoud in the 40th district.
Some state legislative races are still close, but the GOP had a decent showing. The biggest surprise is Democratic Assembly member Sharon Quirk-Silva’s miniscule lead over GOP newcomer Soo Yoo.
The biggest head scratchers took place at the city level. After an embarrassing scandal involving the aborted Anaheim stadium sale, voters had a clear choice between subsidy-friendly candidates and reformers. Reformist Democrat Ashleigh Aitken holds a strong lead over Republican Trevor O’Neil for mayor, but all council reformers were defeated.
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As Westminster heads toward bankruptcy, its council argued bitterly over inconsequential issues. The city needs new blood, but voters elected a mayor and councilmembers who are neck-deep in the toxic culture. In Costa Mesa, former senator John Moorlach – an icon in OC politics – is losing his fiscal-reform-oriented bid for mayor.
Democrats are poised for a majority on the board of supervisors. Democrat Vicente Sarmiento holds a slim lead over his Democratic opponent and Democratic incumbent Doug Chaffee beat back a challenge from a more-progressive Democrat. Democrat Katrina Foley, bolstered by enormous union spending, holds a sizable lead over Republican Sen. Pat Bates.
We’ll revisit after final counting is complete, but the People have spoken and we have no idea what they’re trying to say.