Early voting results from the California Secretary of State are painting a picture of how voters are leaning in four state Assembly races. GV Wire will update results as they come in.

Tangipa Ahead in Fight for Jim Patterson’s Seat

The face-off between Republican candidates George Radanovich and David Tangipa for the California State Assembly District 8 shows Tangipa with a lead.

Voting results show Tangipa ahead against Radanovich 53% to 47%, with 31.2% of precincts reporting.

Tangipa said he feels good about the results.

“We’ve put in a lot of work, we’ve hit over 50,000 doors, (I) have some of the most amazing high school interns that they themselves have door-knocked 17,000 doors,” Tangipa said. “To empower the youth and see this type of movement, I’m honored to have all of the support that I have.”

Watch David Tangipa Speak with GV Wire’s David Taub

Radanovich previously served in Congress from 1995 through 2011, representing the Central Valley. He later served as president of the California Fresh Fruit Association.

Tangipa works in the office of Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig. This was the first run for public office for the former Fresno State football tight end.

The district includes all or parts of seven counties — Fresno, Calaveras, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Mono and Tuolumne. A majority — 62% — reside in Fresno County, including Clovis and most of north Fresno.

Republicans hold a 14-point advantage over Democrats, 44% to 30%.

Tangipa outraised Radanovich. From Jan. 1 through Oct. 19, 2024, Tangipa raised $550,714 — 1.7 times more than his opponent.

Patterson, R-Fresno, who is termed out after 12 years in Sacramento, endorsed Tangipa. The new legislative term starts Dec. 2.

Soria Out Strong Against Republican Challenger

Former Fresno City Councilmember Esmeralda Soria, D-Merced, held a strong showing against challenger and farmer and tax auditor Joanna Garcia Rose for the State Assembly District 27 seat.

Soria had 54.9% against the Republican’s 45.1%. The secretary of state’s website had 82.2% of precincts reporting.

This will be Soria’s first reelection campaign for the district stretching from northwest Fresno to Merced. Garcia Rose slightly beat Soria in their March primary competition, winning 50.9% to 49.1%, separated by only about 1,000 votes, according to Ballotpedia.

Soria prided herself on bringing the Madera Community Hospital back to life. Garcia Rose accused the state’s Democratic supermajority of increasing crime, homelessness, and gas prices.

Garcia Rose spent just over $1 million in the period January 2023 to Oct. 19, 2024, compared to Soria’s $5 million in the same time period, according to Ballotpedia.

Joaquin Arambula Off to Strong Start

California Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula, D-Fresno, holds a strong lead over Republican challenger Solomon Verduzco in early voting. Arambula’s 60.9% is beating out Verduzco’s 39.1%.

The three-term Arambula far outspent the former journalist, spending $525,428 to Verduzco’s $5,773.

Southern Central Valley Appears Ready to Approve Macedo

In the race to replace outgoing Assemblyman Devon Mathis, R-Visalia, Republican frontrunner Alexandra Macedo has taken a commanding lead in early voting against her Republican opponent, Xavier Avila.

Macedo holds a 64.7% advantage over Avila’s 35.3%, with 84.7% of precincts partially reporting, according to the secretary of state.

Macedo spent just over $1 million, compared to Avila’s $86,903.