Californians went to the polls yesterday, casting millions of ballots and generally bucking national trends.
According to tallies released by the California Secretary of State’s office, Californians voted overwhelmingly for former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton bested Trump by nearly a million and a half votes, and a margin of 60.4 to 34.6.
The North State, however, proved a Trump stronghold, with the Republican real estate developer and businessman carrying every county in the region, aside from Nevada County. In Shasta County, Trump beat Clinton by more than a 2 to 1 margin. The race was closer in Butte County where shortly before midnight, Trump was enjoying an 8.5 percent lead.
Looking at other major races: as expected, California Attorney General Kamala Harris easily dispatched Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez in the race to replace retiring US Senator Barbara Boxer. As of shortly after midnight, Harris was leading Sanchez 64.6 percent to 35.4 percent. Harris was carrying every county in the state, with the exception of Glenn County in the north and Imperial County in the south.
In terms of statewide ballot measures, here's a measure-by-measure look at the results:
Proposition 51 - K-12 And Community College Funding Bond: PASSED
Proposition 52 - Private Hospital Fees For Medi-Cal: PASSED
Proposition 53 - Voter Approval of Revenue Bonds: TRAILING
Proposition 54 - Legislation and Proceedings and the Legislature: PASSED
Proposition 55 - Tax Extension for Education and Healthcare: PASSED
Proposition 56 - Cigarette Tax: PASSED
Proposition 57 - Juvenile Criminal Proceedings and Sentencing: PASSED
Proposition 58 - English Language Education: PASSED
Proposition 59 - Campaign Finance: Voter Instruction: PASSED
Proposition 60 - Adult Film Condom Requirements: FAILED
Proposition 61 - State Prescription Drug Purchase Standards: TRAILING
Proposition 62 - Death Penalty Elimination: FAILED
Proposition 63 - Firearms and Ammunition Sales: PASSED
Proposition 64 - Marijuana Legalization: PASSED
Proposition 65 - Carry-out Bag Charges: FAILED
Proposition 66 - Changes Death Penalty Procedures: LEADING
Proposition 67 - Referendum on State Law Banning Single-use Plastic Bags: LEADING (if it passes, the statewide ban would be upheld)
In the state senate — the First District, in northeastern California, Republican incumbent Ted Gaines was beating Democratic challenger Rob Rowen by almost 30 percentage points.
In the state Assembly — the First District, Republican Incumbent Brian Dahle was trouncing Libertarian Donn Coenen by a 3 to 1 margin. In the Third District, Republican Incumbent James Gallagher was defeating Democratic Challenger Edward Ritchie by more than 25 percentage points.
In terms of local city council races: As of shortly after midnight: In Redding, Candidates Julie Winter and Adam McElvain prevailed, besting Lea Tate and Gary Cadd.
In Chico, the four victorious candidates are incumbents Sean Morgan, Ann Schwab, and Randall Stone, and rejoining the council after a long hiatus, Karl Ory. The results don’t affect the council’s narrow conservative majority.
In Oroville, Linda Draper, Janet Goodson and Scott Thomson prevailed in a field of 11 candidates.
In Paradise, Greg Bolin, Mike Zuccolillo and Melissa Schuster prevailed.
In Gridley, Chris Williams, Gary Davidson and Frank Hall will join the council.