Republican Natasha Johnson and Democrat Chris Shoults Advance for Open California State Assembly Seat
The special election was called after State Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R) resigned to become interim U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.
The nonpartisan primary occurred yesterday in California to fill a vacancy in the State Assembly. In the state, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of partisan affiliation. If a candidate achieves a 50%+1 majority, then they will be elected outright. Otherwise, the top two finishers will advance to the general election on August 26, 2025.
The special election for California State Assembly District 63 was called after State Assemblymember Bill Essayli, a Republican, resigned to become interim U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California. He represented this district from December 2022 to April 2025. He was re-elected by a 57.3-42.7 margin against Democrat Chris Shoults in November 2024.
California State Assembly District 63 resides entirely within Riverside County - taking in Canyon Lake, Menifee, and Norco as well as parts of Corona, Eastvale, Lake Elsinore, and Riverside.
California State Assembly (60 Democrats, 19 Republicans, 1 Pending):
For District 63, Republican Natasha Johnson and Democrat Chris Shoults will advance with 46.2% (26,683) and 44.1% (25,495) against Republican Vincent Romo with 8.4% (4,872) and Libertarian Zachary Consalvo with 1.3% (753). 57,803 votes counted.
Johnson has represented District 4 on the Lake Elsinore City Council since December 2012.
In addition to being the Democratic nominee in 2024, Shoults has worked as a public school teacher and advocate for working families and small businesses.
Democrats were never in danger of losing supermajority control of the State Assembly through this nonpartisan primary. However, election watchers were following the race to see if a Democratic over-performance could result in a flip opportunity. The combined Republican total though suggests Johnson will be the favorite in the August general election. This marks the second special election to the state’s lower legislative chamber this year - with Republicans previously maintaining their hold on District 32.
All 80 seats in the California State Assembly will next be up for regular two-year terms in November 2026.