Duncan narrowly leads Strickland in early coastal Senate district count

Democrat Chris Duncan held a narrow lead over incumbent Republican state Sen. Tony Strickland in early returns for California’s coastal Senate District 36, according to Voice of OC. The report did not identify a winner.

The election determines state Senate representation for a district spanning coastal Orange County and part of Los Angeles County. Strickland is defending the seat he first won in a 2025 special election.

According to Voice of OC’s report, Duncan had slightly more than 50% of the vote in the 1:30 a.m. update. Strickland’s share stood at 49.8%.

The reported gap exceeded 1,000 votes, with Strickland trailing. Those figures reflected early returns, not a final outcome.

District 36 extends from San Clemente to Cerritos. Voters in both Orange and Los Angeles counties cast ballots in the contest, according to Voice of OC.

Before winning the Senate seat in the 2025 special election, Strickland served on the Huntington Beach City Council and as mayor, the publication reported.

The early count put Duncan ahead, but the reported results left control of the coastal district’s Senate seat unresolved.