Former Republican Asm. Steven Choi flipped a seat in the California State Senate in Orange County, marking the first time a Republican has achieved this in a general presidential election since 1980.
The big picture: Democratic State Sen. Josh Newman conceded the race to Choi after being behind by approximately 6,000 votes.
- Campaign finance data revealed that the Democratic Party and other donors contributed $6.8 million to Newman’s campaign, while Choi raised a substantially smaller sum of $856,271.
- Choi received support from AFSCME 3299, the largest labor union representing University of California workers, which spent $3.5 million on independent expenditures opposing Newman’s reelection due to his lack of support for a constitutional amendment strengthening workers’ rights.
Flashback: Newman had previously been recalled in 2018 after voting to approve a measure that increased California’s gas taxes and vehicle registration fees.
What they’re saying: “Politics, especially in today’s hyper-polarized environment, can be a mean and messy business,” Newman said in a statement. “I still believe that public service is the noblest of callings.”
What we’re watching: Choi is scheduled to be sworn in on December 2.
