Van Der Mark holds narrow early lead in coastal OC Assembly race

Republican Gracey Van Der Mark narrowly led Democrat Chris Kluwe in early returns Wednesday for California’s 72nd Assembly District in coastal Orange County, according to Voice of OC. The preliminary count did not establish a winner.

The race will determine who succeeds Republican Assemblywoman Diane Dixon in representing the coastal district. Dixon is seeking an Orange County supervisor seat against incumbent Katrina Foley.

Van Der Mark had nearly 51% of the vote to Kluwe’s just over 49% as of 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, Voice of OC reported. About 2,600 votes separated the candidates in the count reported at that time.

The seat is being vacated by Dixon, who is challenging Foley for an Orange County supervisor seat, according to Voice of OC.

The Assembly contest follows repeated public clashes between Van Der Mark and Kluwe in Huntington Beach City Council chambers. Van Der Mark served on the council and spent one year as mayor, the publication reported.

Kluwe repeatedly addressed the council at its meetings. Voice of OC reported that he was once arrested and cited for disrupting a meeting.

The California Democratic Party provided substantial financing for Kluwe’s campaign, according to Voice of OC. Republican groups separately distributed advertisements attacking Kluwe, apart from Van Der Mark’s campaign.

The early Wednesday returns put Van Der Mark ahead, but Voice of OC’s report described a preliminary lead rather than a decided contest.