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Political Breakdown

Republicans Face Historic Lows in the State Assembly Following Blue Wave Election

In a post-election analysis, the KQED politics team discusses GOP losses in Sacramento, the failed billionaire tax and an apparent era of good feeling in the Bay Area.
Scott ShaferMarisa LagosGuy Marzorati
People in suits present at a podium surrounded by signs that read "Require Voter ID."
Sen. Tony Strickland speaks at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters on Monday, March 2, 2026, for a press conference highlighting voter signatures in favor of placing a voter ID measure on the November ballot. Strickland lost his reelection bid for state Senate this week.  (Anjali Sharif-Paul/MediaNews Group/The Sun via Getty Images)

Following extensive Republican losses in the state Legislature this election, the first to pay the price is Corrin Rankin, chair of the California Republican Party. Rankin announced she will not seek reelection next year. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss where the state’s GOP goes from here. 

Then, what are the takeaways from the defeat of the billionaire tax measure? The campaign divided Democrats and their allies in organized labor and underscored the growing power of tech money in our elections. But was it a total loss for supporters of Prop. 40? 

Plus, the “era of voter vitriol” in the Bay Area is over, as incumbents and their ballot measures get solid votes of approval.

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