California's 27th State Senate district

California's 27th State Senate district. The district is a constituency in the California State Senate, currently representing a significant portion of Los Angeles County. Following the 2020 redistricting, its boundaries were substantially reconfigured, shifting its political and geographic character. The district is currently represented by Democrat Maria Elena Durazo.

History

The district was originally established in 1887 as part of a broader reorganization of the California State Legislature. For much of the 20th century, it encompassed areas of Central California, including parts of the San Joaquin Valley. Following the 1990 census, the district was redrawn into Southern California, anchored in Los Angeles. A pivotal shift occurred after the 2010 Census and the subsequent work of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, which moved the district entirely into Los Angeles County. The most recent boundaries, set by the commission after the 2020 Census, consolidated the district within central Los Angeles, making it a predominantly urban seat.

Election results

Recent elections have been dominated by the Democratic Party, reflecting the district's strong partisan lean. In the 2022 general election, incumbent Maria Elena Durazo defeated Republican challenger Johnathon Ervin by a wide margin. The previous election in 2018 saw Durazo win her first term after a competitive primary against fellow Democrat Sandra Figueroa-Villa. Results from the Secretary of State of California show the district consistently votes for Democratic candidates in statewide and federal races, such as Gavin Newsom and Joe Biden.

List of senators

Senators representing the district have come from both major parties over its long history. Notable past senators include Republican James Q. Wedworth, who served in the State Senate during the 1960s, and Democrat Hilda Solis, who later became the United States Secretary of Labor. Democrat Kevin de León represented the district from 2010 until 2018, during which time he served as the President pro tempore of the California State Senate. The current senator, Maria Elena Durazo, a former leader of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, was first elected in 2018.

Demographics

As defined by the 2020 U.S. Census, the district is one of the most diverse and densely populated in the state. A majority of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, with significant populations of Asian American and White American communities. Key economic indicators from the U.S. Census Bureau show household income levels vary widely, encompassing both affluent neighborhoods and areas with higher poverty rates. The district includes parts of cities like Los Angeles, Glendale, and Alhambra.

Geography

The district's geography is entirely urban, located in the heart of Los Angeles County. It encompasses a swath of central Los Angeles, including neighborhoods such as Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and Historic Filipinotown. Its boundaries also extend into the cities of Glendale and Alhambra, as well as unincorporated areas like East Los Angeles. Major thoroughfares include the Hollywood Freeway and the Los Angeles River.

Category:California State Senate districts