Carbajal Wins Reelection to Congress

Democratic Representative Salud Carbajal was re-elected on November 4, 2025, with 65.8% of the vote as Democrats gained control of the Senate.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Elections

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Democrat Salud Carbajal was re-elected to Congress on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, receiving 65.8% of the vote in election night results. Democrats won control of the Senate with 54 seats to 44 for Republicans.

Why it matters

The results reflect the Democratic performance in California's midterm races, which followed voter approval of Proposition 50, a temporary rewrite of voting districts in response to Texas redrawing its district maps. Carbajal said Democrats will be able to act as checks and balances on the Trump administration.

Election night returns show Carbajal at 65.8%, while Santa Barbara County's June registration totals show Democrats at 46.2% of registered voters compared with 24.8% for Republicans. Preliminary House projections put Democrats at 238 seats against 147 for Republicans, and final certification remains pending.

The players

Salud Carbajal

Carbajal is a Democratic congressman representing Santa Barbara County who was re-elected in the 2025 midterms.

The details

Voters approved Proposition 50 in November 2025 in response to Texas redrawing its district maps, and Democrats gained competitive California races after the redistricting. Bob Smith, who ran as a Republican, later switched to no party preference, while Villegas held about 66% of the vote with about 57% counted in the 22nd District.

November 2025: Voters approved Proposition 50.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025: Midterm elections held and Carbajal re-elected.
Wednesday, November 5, 2025: Carbajal media call on Democratic midterm wins.

Political Context

Proposition 50 was approved by California voters as a temporary redrawing of districts to offset Texas's redistricting. The Democratic gains in competitive California races that followed show the measure's direct effect on the midterm outcome.

Californians in redrawn districts will be represented under the new boundaries established by Proposition 50. Congressional action on policies Carbajal and other Democrats prioritize is expected once the new House term begins next year.

The takeaway

Voter-approved redistricting measures can directly reshape which party controls competitive seats, making district maps a central factor in midterm outcomes. Readers following the results should watch for final certified totals as counting continues.