Nov 6, 2024 Story by: Editor
(CBM) – As ballots continue to be counted, Black candidates across California are showing strong performances in the Nov. 5, 2024, General Election.
Although the results are still unofficial, the leads held by many Black candidates suggest they are likely to secure positions in Congress, the State Senate, and the Assembly, where they aim to represent the needs and priorities of Black communities statewide. Key issues such as housing, healthcare, public safety, reparations, and economic reform have emerged as major themes in this year’s campaigns.
In Congress, Black representatives are expected to retain three seats. Lateefah Simon (D) is on track to fill the District 12 (Oakland) seat previously held by Barbara Lee. Sydney Kamlager (D) is set to keep her District 37 (Los Angeles) seat, while Maxine Waters has been re-elected in District 43 (South Los Angeles).
In the California State Senate, Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D) is leading in District 39 (San Diego), and Laura Richardson (D) appears poised to win in District 35 (Inglewood), replacing the termed-out Senator Steven Bradford (D).
In the California State Assembly, nine Black candidates are currently leading in their respective races, including both incumbents and newcomers: Lori Wilson (D) – District 11 (Suisun City); Rhodesia Ransom (D) – District 13 (Stockton); Mia Bonta (D) – District 18 (Oakland); Isaac Bryan (D) – District 55 (Ladera Heights); Sade Elhawary (D) – District 57 (South Los Angeles); Corey Jackson (D) – District 60 (Riverside); Tina McKinnor (D) – District 61 (Inglewood); Mike Gipson (D) – District 65 (Compton); and LaShae Sharp-Collins (D) – District 79 (San Diego).
If these results hold, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) will maintain its 12-member caucus, with a shift from 10 Assembly members and 2 Senators to 9 Assembly members and 3 Senators. The new caucus makeup will include nine women and three men, a shift from the previous balance of six women and six men.
Richardson will join Weber and Lola Smallwood-Cuevas in the Senate, while Sharp-Collins, Elhawary, and Ransom will replace outgoing Assembly Members Reginald Jones-Sawyer, Kevin McCarty, and Chris Holden, respectively.
Elsewhere in the state, San Francisco Mayor London Breed is trailing in her re-election bid. Voters in Alameda County are likely to recall District Attorney Pamela Price. In Sacramento, Kevin McCarty leads the mayoral race, potentially making him the city’s second Black mayor. Meanwhile, in Stockton, Hollywood entertainer Jason Lee is set to win the race for Stockton City Council District 6. Source: The Observer
