Lateefah Simon wins bid for Rep. Barbara Lee’s House seat
Lateefah Simon will take over Rep. Barbara Lee’s District 12 seat in the House of Representatives, defeating competitor Jennifer Tran.
As of 5:19 p.m. Friday, Simon had received about 67% of the vote to Tran’s 36%, with about 38% of votes counted, the Associated Press reported.
“CA-12, I’m honored that you’ve elected me as your next Congresswoman,” Simon said on her social media platforms. “Like I’ve done throughout my entire career, I will fight for representation and equality for ALL of our East Bay communities. Next stop, Congress!”
The open congressional seat in District 12 opened up after Rep. Barbara Lee lost in her run for California senator and did not seek reelection. District 12 includes Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont and San Leandro.
The question of whether or not to recall Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price was also called Friday with 65% of voters backing the recall and 35% voting against, according to the Associated Press.
The Associated Press also called two California State Assembly races Friday.
Democrat Anamarie Avila Farias came out victorious against Republican Sonia Ledo in the race to represent District 15, covering much of East Contra Costa County. Farias received 64% of the vote and Ledo received 36%.
“I’m deeply honored and humbled to represent you in the California State Legislature. Serving our community is a true privilege, and I’m grateful for your trust and support,” Farias said in a Facebook post Wednesday.
Democrat incumbent Liz Ortega also beat out her Republican competitor, Sangeetha Shanbhogue, 70% to 30% in the competition for the District 20 seat. Ortega will continue to represent a district covering central Alameda County.
“Thank you to everyone who voted to re-elect me to the Assembly! I’m honored to continue serving our community and fighting for our shared values. Onward,” Ortega said on social media Tuesday.
About 56% of residents voted to oppose Proposition 5 which would have lowered the threshold needed to pass bond measures for affordable housing and public infrastructure projects down from two-thirds support to 55%, the Associated Press called Friday.