In the first truly competitive race in 30 years, seven candidates are vying to represent California’s 37th District. All but one are registered Democrats — reflecting the district’s registered voters: 46.26 percent are Democrats, and 23.11 percent are Republicans.
Incumbent Assemblymember Monique Limón, who was elected in 2016, seesawed for months on running for reelection in 2020 or giving up her seat for a shot at State Senate. When she finally announced she was set on the latter, Santa Barbara and Ventura candidates jumped at the chance to snag her spot.
In the past, the local Democratic Party has endorsed one candidate far in advance of the primary. That candidate always won by a landslide. This year, the party didn’t make an endorsement, so the 2020 race could go one of many ways.