Senate Republicans Oust Democrat Incumbent For First Time Since 1980
Sacramento, CA– Dr. Steven Choi, R-Irvine, defeated an incumbent Democrat in the general election, marking the first time since 1980 that a California Senate Republican has unseated a Democrat in a presidential general election. Senate Republicans also celebrated gains, including a women-majority caucus.
Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) hailed the gains as evidence of a shift in voter sentiment.
“As Californians grow increasingly frustrated with the failures of Democrat leadership, they are shifting toward Republican solutions,” Jones said. “Senate Republicans are not only growing in numbers but also in diversity. Heading into 2025, we’re proud to expand our caucus to 10 members, up from eight just one year ago. With this strengthened team, we’ll continue fighting to deliver real results and fix California.”
The expanded Republican caucus now includes six women, three of whom are Latina—a first for the state.
The 10-member Senate Republican Caucus now includes Jones, Ochoa Bogh, Valladares, Dahle, Choi, and returning members Marie Alvarado-Gil, R-Jackson; Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield; Janet Nguyen, R-Huntington Beach; Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks; and Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta. Republicans say their growing diversity and leadership will drive efforts to tackle California’s most pressing issues.
