CA Assembly District 27 race: Esmeralda Soria (D) - Joanna Garcia Rose (R)

Democrat Incumbent Esmeralda Soria will return to the State Assembly after securing the District 27 seat over Republican Joanna Rose with over 53% of the vote.

Rose conceded the race to Soria on Wednesday, releasing a statement saying in part:

"After a hard-fought campaign, it looks like we have fallen just short...," Rose said. "I commend Assemblywoman Soria for running a strong campaign, and I wish her the best as she continues to serve the residents of the 27th Assembly District and the state of California."

The newly established seat represents Merced, Madera and Fresno counties.

Soria previously was a member of Fresno City Council. This year, Soria authored AB 3171 to Hold Fentanyl Traffickers Accountable by increasing the punishment for selling more than 28 grams of fentanyl. It escalates the prison sentence from up to four years to up to 9.

Rose is a Fresno State graduate who has previously worked for the California Employment Development Department.

On her page, Rose says that watching her husband's small business struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic motivated her to pursue this political position.