The first Democrat has entered the field for the 27th Assembly District next year.
Merced City School District Board President Priya Lakireddy has filed paperwork with the California Secretary of State’s office, signaling a run for Assembly.
The big picture: Lakireddy, who has served on the school board since 2022, opened up a campaign committee named “Priya Lakireddy for Assembly 2026.”
- Along with her role on the board, Lakireddy has worked for UC Merced in the past and previously was a staff advisor to the UC regents.
State of the race: The 27th District is currently represented by Asm. Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno), who previously launched her campaign for State Senate and will forego a reelection bid to the Assembly in 2026.
- So far the only candidate for the district is former Merced Mayor Mike Murphy, a Republican.
- Murphy has a background as a small business lawyer and served on the Merced City Council from 2011 to 2020, including the last five years as mayor.
Zoom in: Soria won reelection in the 27th District last year over Joanna Garcia Rose by nearly eight points and a margin of nearly 11,000 votes.
- Democrats hold a 10.98% edge in voter registration in the 27th district, according to data provided by the California Target Book.
- The district covers western Fresno County and parts of Madera and Merced Counties. It covers the cities of Madera, Merced, Los Banos, Firebaugh, Atwater, Chowchilla and others, as well as part of northwest Fresno.
