Ballots arrive as two open Malibu legislative seats are wide open
A crowded Democratic field in the State Senate race could let two Republicans advance, mirroring the dynamic in the governor's race.
Ballots are arriving in mailboxes this week, and two Malibu contests are wild cards this year. The large number of Democrats running for State Senate may split the vote, allowing two Republicans to advance to the fall runoff.
If that sounds familiar, that is exactly what might happen in the governor's race statewide.
In State Senate District 24, Ben Allen is stepping away to run for state insurance commissioner. And Malibu's assembly district — District 42 — is also open this year.
Current Assembly member Jacqui Irwin is termed out. But she caught a lucky break in that the Ventura County-area Congress member, Julia Brownley, has decided to retire.
In that assembly race, Westlake Village city council member Kelly Honig had early momentum. But she made a critical paperwork error and filed her petitions in the wrong county. That is a gift to Deborah Klein Lopez, an Agoura Hills city council member. She is a Democrat, and she is running against Rocky Rhodes, who did not list a party affiliation but has been endorsed by numerous Republicans.
State Assembly District 42 includes Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains, the 101 Valley cities, all the way up to Simi Valley. Voters in that district are 40% Democratic, 31.5% Republican and 20.9% no party preference.
Getting back to the State Senate race to replace Ben Allen — that district runs along the Santa Monica Bay and the Westside, all the way to West Hollywood. Support is split among several Democrats vying for this open seat.
A physician named Dr. Sion Roy has the Democratic Party endorsement. Brian Goldsmith, a Democratic media consultant, has a roster of prominent names behind him and has outraised the others. West Hollywood City Councilmember John Erickson and Palos Verdes Peninsula School Board member Eric Alegria are also in the running.
Two Republicans are also in that race: Kristina Irwin, a real estate agent, and an anti-tax activist named Glenn Marshall.
Given the overwhelming Democratic preponderance and the lack of a front runner, this race is resembling the statewide race for governor. The large pack of Democrats may splinter the vote, allowing two Republicans to advance to the November final election.