News Summary
The special election for California’s 36th Senate District is heating up following Janet Nguyen’s departure. Tony Strickland leads the polls with 51.06%, while candidates like Jimmy Pham and Julie Diep focus on key community issues. With significant voter diversity and pressing topics such as housing and climate change, the election outcome remains uncertain as ballots are still being counted.
Exciting Developments in California’s 36th Senate District Special Election
Welcome to California, where the buzz is electric surrounding the special election in the 36th State Senate District! As voters brace themselves for what could be a game-changing moment in local politics, we’re diving into the juicy details of this riveting race.
A Seat to Fill
The spotlight is on this special election for the 36th Senate seat, following the departure of former state Senator Janet Nguyen, who recently secured a position on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. With her exit, voters are looking to fill this important vacancy that extends through to December 2026.
Four candidates are in the running: two from the Republican party, Tony Strickland and John Briscoe, and two from the Democratic side, Jimmy Pham and Julie Diep. Each hopeful has their vision of what needs to be done in the district, and the competition is heating up!
Current Standings
As of the latest count on February 26, Tony Strickland is making waves, leading the polls with an impressive 51.06% of the votes after polls closed on the 25th. The catch? If he or any other candidate manages to secure more than 50% of the votes, they’ll win the seat instantly, skipping the runoff planned for April!
The Candidates
Currently, Jimmy Pham is holding strong in second place, garnering about 27.41% of the votes. He’s focusing heavily on healthcare and education, raising awareness on these pressing issues in the community. Following Pham is Julie Diep, who is campaigning for mobile home park residents to gain land ownership, aiming to ease the burden of rising rents. Let’s not forget John Briscoe, who is advocating for stricter immigration laws to boost housing availability and protect job wages for legal residents.
Key Issues at Play
With this election being so significant, key issues are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Topics like wildfires, climate change, and the high cost of housing have been stirring the pot, surrounding the candidates’ campaigns. These hot-button issues are resonating with voters as they make their decisions at the ballot box.
A District with Diversity
The 36th Senate district boasts a diverse population, covering areas from Dana Point to Seal Beach in Orange County, and reaching into sections of Los Angeles County including Artesia, Cerritos, and Hawaiian Gardens. A mix of communities means that the candidates are connecting with a wide range of voters, each with their own priorities and concerns.
Current Voter Breakdown
According to recent statistics, Republican voters hold the upper hand in the 36th district, making up 37.11% of registered voters. This is comparatively larger than the 33.93% representing the Democrats, with an additional 22.61% having no party preference. This backdrop could play a pivotal role in shaping the election outcome.
What’s Next?
As of the latest updates, around 14,597 ballots are still left to count. The Orange County Registrar of Voters has until March 6 to finalize and certify the results in both counties. With tensions running high and nerves rattling, it’s clear that every vote counts. Whether Strickland can maintain his lead or the race takes an unexpected turn will soon be revealed!
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this electrifying race in California’s 36th State Senate District. Let’s see how the voters decide to shape their future!
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Live Election Results – 36th California Senate Special Election
- OC Register: Tony Strickland Maintains His Lead in the 36th State Senate District Special Election
- NBC Los Angeles: Election in 36th California Senate District
- Wikipedia: California State Senate
- Google Search: California Senate Election 2025
