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Senator
The winner of this race will be one of two senators representing California in the U.S. Senate. The race will actually appear twice on voters’ ballots: once to fill the remainder of Padilla’s appointed term, from when the election is certified until January, and again for a full term beginning in January and running through January of 2029.
Top candidate wins six-year term ending January 2029.
100% of votes countedAssociated PressThis percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.
Candidates
Constitutional Attorney
REPUBLICAN
Appointed United States Senator
DEMOCRAT
Top Priorities
Meuser wants to:
- Cut government spending and limit government overreach.
- Increase domestic oil-and-gas production, build new nuclear power plants, streamline infrastructure projects including new water storage.
- Link school spending to curriculum transparency; harden schools to include armed officers.
Padilla wants to:
- Defend democracy and the right to vote.
- Protect the environment.
- Increase access to health care.
Positions on Key IssuesCandidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, statements made at debates and public events and past news coverage.Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, statements made at debates and public events and past news coverage.
Health Care
What role do you think the government should play in health care policy?
Meuser opposes the Affordable Care Act and believes the government should stay out of health care insurance regulation.
Padilla supports Medicare for All and co-sponsored legislation to create a national health care program.
Climate Change
What will you do to combat climate change and its impact on California?
Meuser is calling for improved management of federal forests to lower the risk of severe fires. He says the federal government should avoid mandates and instead support private sector solutions to aid the environment.
Padilla supports the Green New Deal and “bold climate action” to guarantee access to clean air and water. He helped secure $4 billion for drought relief in the Inflation Reduction Act, which will pay farmers to use less water.
COVID-19
What actions did you take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Meuser opposed California’s COVID-19 restrictions and represented plaintiffs in multiple lawsuits against the state challenging those restrictions.
Padilla has touted his vote for the American Rescue Plan, which included billions of dollars for local governments to spend on COVID-19 relief, vaccine distribution and rental assistance.
Key SupportersThis list represents notable organizations and officials who have taken a position on the ballot measure, or who are funding the campaigns in support or in opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.This list represents notable organizations and officials who have taken a position on the ballot measure, or who are funding the campaigns in support or in opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.
FundraisingCampaign finance data comes from the California Secretary of State’s office and our partners at Voter’s Edge.Campaign finance data comes from the California Secretary of State’s office and our partners at Voter’s Edge.
Source: Federal Election Commission
Mark Meuser
$834.7kAlex Padilla
$11.6mMore Key Statewide Races
U.S. Senate (Full Term)
Top candidate wins six-year term ending January 2029.
100% of votes countedAssociated PressThis percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.
Governor
Top candidate wins seat.
100% of votes countedAssociated PressThis percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.
Attorney General
Top candidate wins seat.
99% precincts reporting0% of votes countedAssociated PressThis percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.
Controller
Top candidate wins seat.
99% precincts reporting0% of votes countedAssociated PressThis percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.