Politics – New Santa Ana reported that Democrat David Penaloza leads the race for California’s 68th Assembly District after securing 37,120 votes, or 51.94 percent, according to unofficial final results. Fellow Democrat Jessie Lopez received 34,349 votes, or 48.06 percent.
While Lopez fell short in the legislative contest, several progressive candidates aligned with her and the Democratic Socialists of America performed well in local Santa Ana races. Santa Ana Councilman Ben Vazquez won reelection, and progressive candidates Isuri Ramos and Sandra De Anda won seats on the Santa Ana City Council over moderate Democrats Phil Bacerra and Giovanni Chavez.
