The Abridged version:
- Candidates seeking re-election for local and statewide positions in Sacramento County were leading in early returns.
- All four candidates seeking another term on the Sacramento City Council were in the lead.
- Election results are expected to be updated on Friday.
The June election appears to be favoring several candidates seeking re-election in Sacramento County.
All four candidates running for another term on the Sacramento City Council were leading in results posted early Wednesday morning. Both state senators and three members of the state Assembly seeking re-election were also leading.
Sacramento City Council
The most competitive race at Sacramento City Hall was in North Natomas, where Councilmember Lisa Kaplan is seeking a second term in District 1. Kaplan had earned 53% of the vote as of early Wednesday and needs to remain above 50% to avoid a November runoff.
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Kaplan, in a statement to Abridged, said she was “cautiously optimistic” about the results.
“The results tonight show that my hard work and accomplishments for my community are recognized,” she said. “However, the results are still early, but I feel cautiously optimistic this race will be over in June.”
Jennifer Chawla, a former FBI investigative specialist and political newcomer, received 42% of the vote as of Wednesday.
In the city’s District 7, covering the Pocket/Greenhaven and Land Park area, incumbent Rick Jennings had a healthy lead over a pair of challengers. Jennings had received 56% of the vote in early returns.
Councilmember Karina Talamantes secured another term on the City Council after running unopposed. Councilmember Caity Maple also appeared headed for re-election; she had 63% of the vote as of Wednesday.
California Senate and Assembly races
Both state Senators who represent significant portions of Sacramento County had comfortable leads on Wednesday.
Sen. Angelique Ashby had received roughly 63% of the vote, building a significant cushion over her two challengers to represent a district covering the cities of Sacramento and Elk Grove. Meanwhile, Sen. Roger Niello, whose district covers eastern Sacramento County and southern Placer County, was closing in on a victory after securing 59% of the early vote.
Two local assemblymembers had built hefty leads and a third appeared to be on a path toward victory.
Assemblymember Maggy Krell had received 84% of the vote as of Wednesday to earn another term in her Sacramento-based district. Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen had 68% of the vote in the district covering Elk Grove and South Sacramento.
Assemblymember Josh Hoover was leading with 54% of the vote in his district, which covers Sacramento’s eastern suburbs, including Folsom, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks and Rancho Cordova.
Other Sacramento races
Epidemiologist Flojaune Cofer and Sacramento City Council member Eric Guerra appear headed for a November runoff for the Sacramento Board of Supervisors District 1 seat; neither was close to receiving the required 50% to avoid a runoff. Cofer had 39% of the early vote, followed by Guerra’s 30%.
Supervisor Patrick Kennedy earned a fourth term in District 2 and Supervisor Pat Hume, who ran unopposed, won a second term.
Ryan Lillis is the Associate General Manager of News at PBS KVIE.