Welcome to the Thursday, October 4 Brew. Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day:
- California state spotlight
- Wyoming state spotlight
- Campaigns behind each of the three conflicting Missouri medical marijuana initiatives told us why their ballot measure is the best option
California: The Golden State
California is holding elections for one U.S. Senate seat, 53 U.S. House seats, governor and eight other state executive positions, 20 of 40 state Senate seats, and all 80 state Assembly seats. Two state Supreme Court justices and 50 appellate court judges must stand for retention. Ballotpedia is also covering local elections in eight counties, 13 cities, and 90 school districts in California. Eleven statewide ballot measures and more than 250 local measures are also on the ballot.
What is the partisan balance in the state?
Congress: Democrats hold both U.S. Senate seats and 39 U.S. House seats. Republicans hold 14 U.S. House seats.
Governor: Democrat.
Lt. Governor: Democrat.
Attorney General: Democrat.
State Senate: 26-14 Democratic majority.
State Assembly: 55-25 Democratic majority.
Races to watch
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California’s 25th Congressional District: Incumbent Rep. Steve Knight (R) faces nonprofit executive Katie Hill in what Los Angeles Times called “one of the most fiercely competitive congressional races in the country.” California’s 25th is one of 25 Republican-held U.S. House districts that Hillary Clinton (D) won in the 2016 presidential election.
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California’s 10th Congressional District: Incumbent Rep. Jeff Denham (R) faces venture capitalist Josh Harder (D) in his bid for a third term. The Cook Political Report, Larry J. Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales all rate this race a toss-up.
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California’s 39th Congressional District: Navy veteran Gil Cisneros (D) faces former state legislator Young Kim (R) in the election for the U.S. House seat currently held by 13-term incumbent Rep. Ed Royce (R), who is retiring. In the 2016 presidential election, the district backed Hillary Clinton (D) by a margin of 9 percentage points, and it is one of 10 Republican-held districts in California to be targeted by the Democratic Party.
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U.S. Senate election in California: Five-term incumbent U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D) faces state Sen. Kevin de León (D) in the general election for U.S. Senate in California. This is the second consecutive U.S. Senate race in the state without a Republican competing in the general election. De León had raised $1.3 million compared to Feinstein’s $15 million—which included $8 million in self-funding—as of June.
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California Governor: Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and businessman John Cox (R) are running for governor of California. Former President Barack Obama (D) has endorsed Newsom, and President Donald Trump (R) has endorsed Cox in the race.
What you need to know if you’re a California voter
Early voting dates: October 8 to November 5.
Polls open/close: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voter ID: A voter may be asked to provide identification at the polls if it is his or her first time voting. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver’s license, utility bill, or any document sent by a government agency.
Bookmark your sample ballot.
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