Republicans hold narrow leads in Orange County coastal races

Republicans held narrow leads in several coastal Orange County races Wednesday as ballot counting continued, according to Voice of OC. Democrats had led in early returns before subsequent tallies shifted the contests.

The close contests will shape representation in the state Legislature and on the Huntington Beach City Council. Voice of OC reported that the narrow gaps contrasted with recent Republican victories in races featuring Republican incumbents, a GOP voter-registration advantage or both.

In the 72nd Assembly District, Republican Huntington Beach Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark led Democrat Chris Kluwe by more than 2,700 votes, according to Voice of OC. Van Der Mark had nearly 51% of the vote to Kluwe’s 49%, with her lead widening since election night.

Huntington Beach Mayor Casey McKeon and Councilmen Pat Burns and Andrew Gruel, all Republicans, were on track to secure council seats alongside Democrat-endorsed challenger Ben Davis. Four seats were available, Voice of OC reported.

Republican candidate Brian Thienes stood in fifth place Wednesday night, trailing Davis by 100 votes. The council contest followed two consecutive elections in which Republican-endorsed candidates swept the available seats, according to the publication.

The legislative races also followed recent Republican wins. Republican state Sen. Strickland won a special election the previous year to succeed Janet Nguyen after she became an Orange County supervisor. Republican Assemblywoman Diane Dixon won the 72nd District in 2024 but left the seat to run for supervisor, Voice of OC reported.

Voice of OC cited tallies from the Orange County and Los Angeles registrars of voters. Counting remained underway Wednesday night, leaving the close races unsettled.