Election results: U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz defeats GOP challenger easily
Democratic U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz was comfortably defeating a Republican challenger, holding a 14,000-vote lead. Vote counting was continuing, but The Associated Press declared Ruiz the winner Wednesday afternoon.
His margin over Brian Hawkins was 61% to 39%, with updated vote totals scheduled to be released later Wednesday by the registrars in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The 25th Congressional District includes parts of those counties and all of Imperial County.
Ruiz will continue representing many Coachella Valley residents in Congress. But this time around, he had to convince many new voters. His opponent, Hawkins, is a San Jacinto city councilmember and pastor who defeated a crowded field of Republicans in the primary to advance to the general election.
Redistricting split the Coachella Valley into two congressional districts, with Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Indio, Coachella and far east valley going in the new 25th District.
Ruiz, who has represented the entire valley since 2013, decided to seek re-election there instead of the new 41st District, citing his roots being raised in Coachella.
Democrats hold a significant advantage in the district, with 44% of registered voters compared to 27% for Republicans. (Another 21% chose no party.)
In the June primary, Ruiz, the only Democrat running, received 56.4% of the vote to Hawkins' 16.4%. The six Republicans running totaled 43.6% of the vote.
In an interview as the first results came in Tuesday, Ruiz said he was excited about the results in his race and nationwide, with Democrats faring better than expected.
“I think the initial prognosis of a lot of Democratic losses throughout the nation has not come to fruition,” he said. “A lot of tossup races are going toward Democrats.
Ruiz also said he was looking forward to continuing bipartisan and "pragmatic" work to strengthen Medicare and Social Security; lower costs for basics like groceries and gas; and expand health care access.
Ruiz's platform also includes more funding to protect the environment. His website highlights his vote to bar insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and a successful effort he led to provide benefits to veterans affected by burn pits.
Ruiz's website says he also prioritizes women's economic security and has fought for equal pay for equal work, expanding paid family leave and sick leave, and increasing affordable childcare.
Those priorities have little overlap with the six listed by Hawkins on his website, which include school safety and the border.
Hawkins wrote that he proposes automatic life sentences for anyone who "uses a gun in violence towards another human being." He also says illegal immigration is harming the nation's economy and fueling drug smuggling and human trafficking, so immigration agencies need to have "as much support and updated technology as possible."
Hawkins highlighted what he described as historic low rainfall levels, saying, "Where is the conversation about water conservation projects? I'm ready to address this issue."
His website also highlights the importance of fighting high gas prices and inflation, although it doesn't say what his solutions are.
"How long will congress allow the poor and middle class to suffer while they get rich?" Hawkins wrote.
Paul Albani-Burgio covers breaking news and the City of Palm Springs. Follow him on Twitter at @albaniburgiop and via email at paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Election results: Democrat Raul Ruiz wins re-election to Congress
