Hernandez and Rascón to Vie for 26th Senate Seat
The Democratic candidates are set to compete for the California Senate district seat on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Elections
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Sara Hernandez and Sarah Rascón are the Democratic candidates competing for the California 26th Senate district seat in the November 3, 2026 election. The position is being vacated by Senator Maria Elena Durazo, who won the primary for Los Angeles County Supervisor in June 2026.
Why it matters
The race will determine the new representative for diverse communities including Boyle Heights, Koreatown, Silver Lake, and El Sereno. It follows Maria Elena Durazo vacating the seat she has held since 2022 to pursue a position in county government.
The California 26th Senate district encompasses major urban neighborhoods including Boyle Heights, Koreatown, Silver Lake, and El Sereno. The election scheduled for November 3, 2026, will decide the successor to Maria Elena Durazo.
The players
Sara Hernandez
She is a Democratic candidate who previously served on the Los Angeles Community College board.
Sarah Rascón
She is a Democratic candidate who served as a field representative in the State Assembly under Jimmy Gomez.
Maria Elena Durazo
She is the incumbent Senator who has held the 26th district seat since 2022.
The details
Sara Hernandez, a former member of the Los Angeles Community College board, focuses her platform on housing affordability, public transit, and debt-free higher education. Sarah Rascón, formerly a field representative in the State Assembly, is centering her campaign on workforce development, housing affordability, and educational access.
Timeline
2022: Maria Elena Durazo began serving in the 26th Senate district.
June 2026: Maria Elena Durazo won the primary for Los Angeles County Supervisor.
November 3, 2026: The election date for the 26th Senate district seat.
Political Context
Opponents of the current legislative trajectory argue that the vacancy created by Maria Elena Durazo highlights a need for fresh representation in the state legislature. This race follows the established pattern of vacancy and replacement common in the California State Senate district redistricting cycle.
Residents of the 26th district will see changes in their local legislative representation following the outcome of the November 3 election. Voters should prepare to evaluate the competing proposals on housing affordability and public transit before heading to the polls.
The takeaway
Voters in the district should compare the candidates' specific priorities on workforce development and education to see how they align with local needs. Reviewing candidate platforms now can help ensure an informed vote when the election takes place on November 3.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local contests, visit the Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LA Public Press.
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