2022 California State Senate election
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| 2022 California State Senate election | |
|---|---|
 Hendrik M. Stoops Lugo · Public domain · source | |
| Election name | 2022 California State Senate election |
| Country | California |
| Type | legislative |
| Previous election | 2020 California State Senate election |
| Previous year | 2020 |
| Next election | 2024 California State Senate election |
| Next year | 2024 |
| Seats for election | 20 of the 40 seats in the California State Senate |
| Majority seats | 21 |
| Election date | November 8, 2022 |
| Leader1 | Toni Atkins |
| Party1 | Democratic Party (United States) |
| Leaders seat1 | Did not stand for re-election |
| Last election1 | 31 seats |
| Seats1 | 31 |
| Leader2 | Scott Wilk |
| Party2 | Republican Party (United States) |
| Leaders seat2 | 21st district |
| Last election2 | 9 seats |
| Title | President pro tempore |
| Before election | Toni Atkins |
| Before party | Democratic Party (United States) |
| After election | Toni Atkins |
| After party | Democratic Party (United States) |
2022 California State Senate election was held on November 8, 2022, concurrently with other statewide contests including the 2022 California gubernatorial election. Voters decided 20 of the 40 seats in the California State Senate, the upper house of the California State Legislature. The election occurred under new district boundaries drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission following the 2020 United States census. Despite competitive races, the Democratic Party (United States) maintained its overwhelming supermajority control of the chamber, while the Republican Party (United States) failed to gain any ground.
Background
The election was the first conducted under the new California State Senate district maps certified by the nonpartisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission in December 2021. These maps were created using data from the 2020 United States census and altered the political landscape of several districts. The Democratic Party (United States) entered the cycle holding a 31-9 supermajority, a margin that allowed them to pass legislation requiring a two-thirds vote, such as tax increases and constitutional amendments. Key political context included national trends like inflation and the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, alongside state issues like homelessness in California and the COVID-19 pandemic in California. The top-two primary system, established by California Proposition 14 (2010), was in effect, meaning all candidates appeared on the same primary ballot regardless of party affiliation.
Election results
The Democratic Party (United States) retained its 31-9 supermajority in the California State Senate, matching its pre-election seat count. No seats changed partisan control, as all incumbents who sought re-election were successful. Voter turnout was consistent with other midterm elections in the state. The results ensured continued Democratic control over key legislative committees like the California Senate Appropriations Committee and the California Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. Notable victories included Toni Atkins retaining her leadership role as President pro tempore of the California State Senate, while Scott Wilk remained the Senate Republican Leader.
Key races
Several districts saw highly competitive and expensive contests. In California's 4th State Senate district, Democratic candidate Marie Alvarado-Gil defeated Republican Tim Robertson, flipping the narrative in a district previously represented by a Republican. The open seat in California's 8th State Senate district, formerly held by Democrat Andreas Borgeas, was won by Republican Shannon Grove who successfully defended the seat for her party. The race in California's 12th State Senate district featured a costly battle between Democratic incumbent Susan Talamantes Eggman and Republican challenger Jorge L. Sanchez. In California's 28th State Senate district, Democratic incumbent Lola Smallwood-Cuevas won her first full term after a prior appointment. The California's 36th State Senate district contest saw Republican incumbent Janet Nguyen fend off a strong challenge from Democrat Kim Carr.
Aftermath and impact
The election results solidified the Democratic Party (United States)'s policy dominance in Sacramento, allowing the passage of ambitious legislation on climate, housing, and healthcare. Key figures like Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta could rely on a supportive legislature. The unchanged composition meant the Republican Party (United States) remained in a marginalized position, unable to block supermajority votes. Following the election, leadership positions were reaffirmed, with Toni Atkins continuing as President pro tempore of the California State Senate and Mike McGuire as Majority Leader of the California State Senate. The election also set the stage for the 2024 United States Senate election in California and future legislative battles over the California state budget.
See also
* 2022 California elections * California State Legislature * 2022 California State Assembly election * California Democratic Party * California Republican Party * List of California State Senators
Category:2022 California elections Category:California State Senate elections