Election results: Mathis is 'confident' as Tulare County state Legislature candidates vie for five seats

State Assembly

33rd District

Early results: Incumbent Devon Mathis jumped out to an early lead as the results came in Tuesday. Mathis, a Republican, held a commanding 59%, followed by Democrats Jose Sigala (20.2%) and Ruben Macareno (17.4%).

Although Mathis is the incumbent, the district number and boundaries have changed this year. Rather than stretching across the mountains, the new district is concentrated in the Valley.

"I'm confident," Mathis said Tuesday night, as his lead held with 80% of precincts partially reporting. "The numbers tonight definitely show that regardless of the different demographics voters still appreciate all the work I've put in for them and their families."

Mathis said he'll focus on water, public safety, schools and family values heading toward the November General Election.

"It's not just a Democrat/Republican thing," he said. People across the state, frankly, are pissed off about the gas tax. They're pissed off about inflation. They're pissed off that those in power are not acting."

If the results hold, Mathis would face Sigala. The former Tulare mayor said Tuesday night he is "feeling very well that we're in a good position to finish in the top two."

Sigala, a Democrat, said the district's new boundaries make it more competitive. "It's become a lot more Latino with regards to voters," he said.

He pledged to focus his campaign on water, education, housing, healthcare and economic development.

"November will be a whole different race in terms of focus."

In California, the June primary is treated as a nomination for state offices such as Assmebly. The top two candidates move on, regardless of political party affiliation.

Geography: Most of Tulare, a small part of Visalia and southern Tulare County, and most of Kings County, including the cities of Hanford and Lemoore.

Candidates: Current 26th District Assemblyman Mathis (R-Visalia) is the clear frontrunner. Challenging Mathis are Democrats Macareno, a Farmersville city council member, and former Tulare Mayor Sigala.

Macareno is also a representative of the Tulare County Association of Governments, Council of Cities, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and the county’s Homelessness Task Force.

Sigala was first elected to the Tulare City Council in 2016 and was reelected in 2020 to serve another four years after losing to Mathis in 2018. Sigala was appointed Mayor in 2018 and served a two-year term.

32nd District

Geography: Most of Visalia and almost all eastern Tulare County, including Three Rivers and a large part of Kern County. As with other state districts, this one has changed significantly with the new maps that take effect this year.

Candidates: Current State Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) is running unopposed.

State Senate

16th District

Early results: With most votes tallied, Republican David Shepard was running slightly ahead of incumbent State Sen. Melissa Hurtado, with 42% to her 31%. Cumulatively, the three Democrats in the race had 54% of the vote, with the two Republicans sharing the other 46%. Shephard and Hurtado are likely to face off in the fall General Election.

"Central Valley families have had enough of Sacramento’s failed policies, including the mismanagement of our water resources, record inflation, an intractable homelessness crisis, and rampant crime," Shephard said. "I’m not a career politician and didn’t have special interests bankrolling my campaign. I am a husband, father, and farmer with a promise to be a new voice for the Central Valley."

As of Wednesday late morning, Hurtado hadn't commented on the likely runoff.

Geography: City of Dinuba, a small part of Visalia and most of Tulare, and large parts of southern Tulare County and Kern County, including Bakersfield. Redistricting changed the borders significantly, but much of the new district includes what is currently Senate District 14.

Candidates: Probably the most interesting race of the night. Current State Sen. Hurtado will face off against Democrats Bryan Osorio and former State Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, along with Republicans Shepard and Gregory Tatum.

12th District

Geography: Most of Visalia and the northern tip of Tulare. Also includes a large swath of eastern Tulare County, including Three Rivers and large parts of Kern County as far south as Edwards Air Force Base. Before the redistricting that goes into effect this year, much of this was in the 16th District.

Candidates: State Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) is the clear front-runner for the seat. She faces Democrat Susanne Gundy of Visalia.

14th District

Geography: Small slivers of northern Tulare and southern Merced counties and large sections of Fresno and Madera counties. The newly redistricted 14th District contains much of the area from the current Senate District 12.

Candidates: Incumbent State Senator Anna Caballero (D) is the clear frontrunner. She will face Paulina Miranda or Amnon Shor.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: California election results: Tulare County state Assembly and Senate