In a build up to the General Election that seemed eternal the results appear to have matched the hype. The first Black woman to be elected Governor in the United States won in Georgia. The first openly gay man was elected Senator in New Hampshire. The first Muslim was elected Senator in Michigan. And the first Native American was elected Governor of New Mexico.
Lets not forget that the first Mexican American was elected as Governor of California.
And as usual for midterm elections, the party of the sitting president suffered big losses.
Not too far along in the evening it was clear that Democrats were going to take over the House and Senate. In another first, Representative Hakeem Jeffries will become the first Black Speaker of the House taking over for Mike Johnson in January.
Locally, the most watched Congressional race in California ended with more of a whimper than a bang. Visalia Unified School District Trustee Randy Villegas is on a path to beat long time incumbent Congressman David Valadao. As of 11:00pm Villegas was winning with 65.1% of the vote to Valadao’s 34.9%. Valadao was the last Republican member of congress left who voted to impeach President Trump.
In the race for Tulare County Supervisor District 4, Incumbent Eddie Valero was beating challenger Ian Bakke 54.77% of the vote to 45.23% with 85% of the vote reported.
Visalia City Council District 5, Incumbent Steve Nelsen was losing to challenger Esther Perez. Steven Nelsen had received 35.51% of the vote to Perez’ 44.88%. Other challengers Justin Stie received 3.4% and Jose Sosa Wences received 16.2%.
For Visalia City Council District 4, Incumbent Emmanuel Hernandez Soto was winning with 61.66% to businessman Nick Kastle’s 38.34%
In one of the most hotly contested city council races in Tulare County, challenger Taha Saleh, running for Porterville City Council District 2, had 490 votes to Incumbent Greg Meister’s 497 votes. At press time 89% of the vote was counted.
In Porterville City Council District 1 Paul D Vera, Retired Chief Warden, was leading with 57.54% of the vote to Scott Bowler, Business engagement Specialist, who had 42.46%. Incumbent Raymond Felipe Beltran did not run for re election.
Visalia Unified School Board of Trustees Area 1 Incumbent Walta Gamoian was leading Stacy Boyce 61.6% to 38.3%. In Area, 4 Incumbent Todd Oto was leading Efrain Becerra 73.47% to 26.53%
Incumbent Robert Aguilar was leading challenger Louis Lyons for College of Sequoia Ward I 62.14% to 37.86. In Ward 2 incumbent Kenneth B. Nunes was leading Kristina Roper 63% to 37%
In COS Ward 5 based in Hanford, Incumbent John Lehn was leading Susie Nava 57.11% to 43.89%. This does not include the Tulare County votes that are a small percent of the district.
To get the most up to date returns on the propositions follow this link. As of press time 75% of the vote had been counted for the propositions
https://electionresults.sos.ca.gov/returns/ballot-measures