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State Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez and public interest lawyer Robert Ahn will be advancing to a June 6 runoff election for the 34th Congressional District after emerging as the top two contenders in Tuesday's crowded primary. More than 300,000 registered voters in California's 34th Congressional District had the opportunity on Tuesday to vote for their new federal representative from a pool of 23 candidates. The election was a special primary, meaning that if no one obtained more than 50% of the vote, the the candidates with the two highest vote counts would advance to a runoff election, with the final victor filling Xavier Becerra's seat. Becerra resigned from his seat after becoming the California Attorney General in January. Governor Brown appointed him to replace former state AG Kamala Harris after she headed to the Senate.
With 100% of precincts reporting, Democratic Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez secured the top vote count with 8,156 votes (or 28.14% of the total). Gomez has secured his advance to the June 6 runoff, with the Los Angeles Times predicting that Robert Ahn, a Democrat and public interest attorney, will be his likely opponent. Ahn secured the second-highest vote count with 5,504 votes (or 18.99% of the total).
For those of you keeping count, of the 305,551 registered voters, only 28,990 ballots were submitted (the results will certified on April 13, and made official on April 18, so, in all due fairness, this number may change slightly). This means that voter turnout for the special election was less than 9.5%, at least at first count.
According to the Times, Gomez, 42, was a union leader before becoming a state assemblyman. Gomez has helped push paid family leave expansion, a $15-an-hour minimum wage, and single-payer healthcare. Meanwhile, opponents have critiques Gomez's establishment credentials.
Ahn, 41, would be the only Korean American in Congress should he be elected, and he pledged to bring “business sensibility to the office.” He has also touted his pledge to defend Obamacare in the face of Republican repeal, and make college affordable.
Both candidates (each the son of immigrants) have taken a stance to protect sanctuary cities in the face of attacks by President Donald Trump's administration.
LAist has reached out to both candidates for comment, but has not heard back at the time of publication.
Thank you to the volunteers who have been the backbone of this campaign. This is your victory. https://t.co/g7LBHz1vU8
— Robert Ahn (@AhnForCongress) April 5, 2017
Thank U to all of the volunteers, supporters,
— Jimmy Gomez (@JimmyGomezCA) April 5, 2017
my family & friends...everyone who helped make this Primary win possible! Onward to June 6th! https://t.co/sT7mkp6viZ
