A Republican Ripple
Voters across the U.S. delivered a mixed verdict during midterm elections that presented favorable conditions for a Republican wave
After Tuesday’s midterm election, Republicans were closing in on a narrow House majority. Control of the Senate is hinged on a series of tight races in a midterm election. The current results defied expectations of sweeping conservative victories driven by frustration over inflation and President Joe Biden's leadership.
Either party could secure a U.S. Senate majority with wins in both Nevada and Arizona — where the races are too close to call. There is a strong possibility that the Senate majority could come down to a runoff in Georgia next month, with incumbent Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker failing to earn enough votes to win outright.
In the House, Democrats kept seats in 191 districts, while many states have not been called. But Republicans notched several important victories in their bid to get to the 218 seats needed to reclaim the House majority.
Control of Congress will be a key factor in determining the future of Biden's agenda as the nation reels from record-high inflation and concerns over political direction. A Republican House majority would likely trigger a spate of investigations into Biden and his family, and a Senate takeover would hobble the president's ability to make judicial appointments.
California Propositions
Proposition 1 was passed by voters. This measure will amend the state constitution to ensure reproductive and contraceptive rights for all people after the overturning of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court.
Both Propositions 26 and 27 were rejected, ensuring that sports betting would remain heavily curtailed in the state. Proposition 26 would have legalized sports betting on Native American reservations and at existing racing tracks. Proposition 27 would have legalized online sports betting.
Proposition 28 and Proposition 31 were approved by voters. Proposition 28 will minimize budget cuts for arts education and require the state to allocate additional funding for arts and music. Proposition 31 upholds a contested ban on flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and vaping liquids.
Proposition 29 and Proposition 30 were strongly rejected by voters. Proposition 29 would have required dialysis clinics to have a licensed physical on-site, while Proposition 30 would have increased taxes on incomes over $2 million to fund electric car purchases and improve wildfire prevention.
Candidates: In-State Races
Incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom coasted to re-election over State Senator Brian Dahle.
In the State Senate’s 10th District, Fremont mayor Lily Mei is leading Hayward council member Aisha Wahab by 63 votes with all precincts reporting.
Mei’s victory would represent a campaign that focuses on more common-sense changes to address the challenges that everyday Californians face. Wahab would be the first Afghan woman elected to state office in California and is the candidate endorsed by the Democratic party and other groups such as the California Labor Federation and California Environmental Voters.
In the State Assembly’s 26th District, which encompasses most of Santa Clara, Democrat Evan Low is leading Republican Tim Gorsulowsky by more than 44% as of Thursday afternoon.
The extent of Democratic control of the state legislature has not yet been called. Democrats inevitably will have a majority, but Republicans have been competitive in some state swing districts. Furthermore, any ballot postmarked before Nov. 8 will be counted through Nov. 15, and will not be certified until Dec. 8.
Candidates: Congressional Seats
For the U.S. Senate, incumbent Democrat Alex Padilla won re-election against Republican Mark Meuser. With 46% reporting, Senator Padilla won 59% of the votes. U.S. Representative Ro Khanna was easily reelected to a fourth term in Congress.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.