Democrat David Penaloza, a councilmember from Santa Ana, took a slight lead ahead of three other candidates Tuesday evening in early returns for the June 2 primary election in California’s 68th Assembly District.
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Republican Mayra Ruiz, a business owner in Santa Ana, followed closely behind and Democrat Jessie Lopez, also a Santa Ana councilmember, trailed.
Democrat Shannon Wingfield, secretary for the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation Tribal Council, was in fourth.
The two candidates who get the most votes will appear on the general election ballot in November.
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• Also see: June 2 Primary Election Results
Geographically, the district covers Anaheim, Santa Ana and Orange.
Politically, voter registration data suggests the district leans left, with 48% of voters registered as Democrat, 22% registered as Republican and 25% registered as no-party preference.
The seat currently is held by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim), who is running for a state Senate seat rather than seeking re-election.
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