California State Assembly District 29 is represented by a Democratic lawmaker, but on Tuesday Central Coast voters will decide whether to keep their current Assemblyman or elect new representative.
District 29 encompasses Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. There are 495,410 people living in the district, according to 2020 Census data.
Incumbent Robert Rivas, 44, is currently serves as the Assembly speaker who oversees the chamber. He replaced fellow Democrat Anthony Rendon, according to CalMatters. Before being elected to the Assembly in 2018, Rivas served two terms on the San Benito County Board of Supervisors. Rivas lives in Hollister with his wife and their daughter.
Rivas is facing two challengers—James Paine and Dennis Sanchez.
Paine lists his priorities as protecting property tax rates, a balance budget and limit spending, public safety and law enforcement, protecting parental rights and returning money to the people.
Sanchez describes himself as a lifelong Central Coast resident whose life is “rooted in faith, family and hard work.” He listed his priorities as public safety, small business, infrastructure and protecting California families.
Members of California’s Assembly are up for election every two years, placing all 80 districts on the 2026 primary ballot. Democrats and Republicans are defending recently flipped seats and competing for open districts.
Polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2. The Californian will update this article when results are released.
Visit our Elections page throughout the day Tuesday, June 2, for the latest news, results and more as the California 2026 Primary gets underway.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Central Coast voters weigh in on Assembly District 29
Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian / Salinas Californian
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
