We’ve heard of local candidates being propped up by state parties, but this one sounds like Weekend at Bernie’s.
With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, deceased candidate, Democrat Jenny Oropeza, defeated Republican John Stammreich in the race for State Senate in the 28th district.
Oropeza, 53, died on Oct. 20. Because her death was within 10 days of the election, her name remained on the ballot.
The governor now has two weeks to declare her seat empty, and schedule a special election within three to four months. This allows Democrats a chance to find a new candidate to run for Oropeza’s seat.
A week after her death, Democrats sent out mailers to residents, calling for voters to still reelect Oropeza. The mailers featured Secretary of State Debra Bowen and Democratic Party general counsel Martha Escutia.
Naturally, this district, which encompasses parts of Los Angeles and Long Beach, is overwhelmingly Democrat.
Democrats are often accused of turning out the dead vote, but this is one of the rare times when they’re able to vote for one of their peers.
