Democratic candidates won key elections—including the first Democratic member of US Congress in 70 years representing most of Ventura County—in statewide and local contests on November 6, the
Ventura County Democratic Central Committee (VCDCC) reported.
The contests marked a change from Republican to Democrat in Ventura County for two
important seats; US Congress and State Senate. The elections were part of the national re-
election of Barack Obama and US Senator Dianne Feinstein, as well as the success of crucial
ballot propositions such as Proposition 30, and the defeat of Propositions 32 and 38. The
victories reflect the changes Ventura County has experienced over the decades, as well as
opportunities offered by the Democratic candidates and certain voter initiatives.
“The Ventura County Democratic Party mounted its most aggressive outreach program ever
with over 30,000 phone calls and 78,000 pieces of mail. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to pass
Proposition 30, defeat Proposition 32 and elect our slate of dedicated Democrats up and down
the ballot,” said David Atkins, Chair of the VCDCC.
In addition to the presidential and US Senate races, Democratic victories in Ventura County
included:
U.S. Congress—Julia Brownley, Lois Capps
State Senate—Hannah-Beth Jackson, Fran Pavley
State Assembly—Das Williams
County Supervisor—Steve Bennett
Community College Board, Area 4—Bernardo Michael Perez
Conejo Unified School District–Betsy Connolly
Santa Paula Unified School District–Christina “Tina” Urias
Oxnard Union High School District–Steven Hall
Hueneme Elementary School District–Vianey Lopez
Oxnard Elementary School District–Al Duff
Oxnard City Clerk—Daniel Martinez
Ojai City Council—Betsy Clapp, Severo Lara
Santa Paula City Council—Martin Hernandez
Casitas Water District 5–Russ Baggerly
Measures N, P, Q, R, S and T
(some elections were too close to call as of Nov. 9).
