Penaloza Leads Lopez in 68th Assembly Race

Early returns show Santa Ana Councilmember David Penaloza ahead of fellow councilmember Jessie Lopez in the open Assembly seat.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a red domed capitol silhouette beside a navy vertical bar on a cream field, evoking a contested state legislative race. — Santa Ana Councilmember David Penaloza led fellow councilmember Jessie Lopez by about 3,500 votes in early returns for California's open 68th State Assembly seat. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Initial election night results showed David Penaloza holding about 54% of the over 46,500 votes counted as of 8:07 p.m., with Jessie Lopez at about 46%. The nearly 3,500-vote gap comes as Assemblyman Avelino Valencia runs for state senator, leaving the 68th State Assembly District seat open.

Why it matters

The race for the 68th State Assembly District, which covers Santa Ana, Anaheim and Orange, will determine who represents these Orange County communities in Sacramento. Both candidates are Democrats, and heavy outside spending from tech, labor and energy-linked groups has made the contest one of the most expensive in the district's recent history.

Initial results showed Penaloza ahead 54% to 46% of over 46,500 votes counted as of 8:07 p.m., a margin of nearly 3,500 votes. Because these figures reflect only a partial count, the final margin remains unresolved.

The players

David Penaloza

A Democratic Santa Ana City Councilmember running for the 68th State Assembly District seat, endorsed by law enforcement unions and the California Democratic Party.

Jessie Lopez

A Democratic Santa Ana City Councilmember running for the 68th State Assembly District seat, backed by SEIU, progressive groups and Senator Bernie Sanders.

Avelino Valencia

The current Assemblyman for the 68th District who is running for state senator, leaving the Assembly seat open.

The details

Penaloza and Lopez are both Democratic Santa Ana City Councilmembers competing for the open 68th State Assembly District seat. Penaloza is endorsed by law enforcement and public safety unions, labor unions, the OC Register and the California Democratic Party, while Lopez has backing from labor unions including SEIU, progressive groups, Chispa, Senator Bernie Sanders and Dolores Huerta.

Election night: initial results showed Penaloza leading as of 8:07 p.m.
Oct. 27: spending totals for committees supporting and opposing the candidates were reported.

Political Context

Open-seat contests like this one often attract heavy outside spending when a sitting assemblymember moves up to the state senate. Here, supporters and opponents of both Democratic candidates have poured millions into the race, reflecting the high stakes of Assembly seats in Orange County.

Voters in the 68th Assembly District will decide who represents Santa Ana, Anaheim and Orange in Sacramento. Penaloza and Lopez are both Democrats, so the winner will shape local policy priorities for the district.

The takeaway

Initial counts are often revised as remaining ballots are tallied, so readers should watch for updated results before drawing conclusions about the 68th District race. Following official county election updates will show how the margin changes.