Local Elections Determine Power Shifts in California

Voters in several counties in California and Arizona are heading to the polls to elect new supervisors amid significant races that could shift political dynamics. In Orange County, State Sen. Janet Nguyen is competing against Democratic Councilwoman Frances Marquez in the wake of a bribery scandal involving former Supervisor Andrew Do. In San Joaquin County, Mario Gardea and Lilliana Udang are vying for a seat currently held by Chair Miguel Villapudua, while Sonny Dhaliwal faces Steve DeBrum for another position. In Maricopa County, Democrats hope to gain a majority on the Board of Supervisors, marking a potential political shift, especially as they address pressing regional issues like housing affordability. Meanwhile, in San Diego, the high-stakes race between incumbent Terra Lawson-Remer and former Mayor Kevin Faulconer could determine the board's ideological balance. These elections come at a time of heightened voter anxiety over various socioeconomic issues, making turnout crucial.