Open seat in the South Bay's most affluent assembly district.
Assembly District 66 covers the South Bay region including Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rancho Palos Verdes, and surrounding coastal communities. Outgoing Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D) is running for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, leaving this seat open.
What an Assemblymember does
One of 80 California Assemblymembers, each serving 2-year terms (12-year lifetime limit). Votes on the state budget, all California legislation including housing, education, environment, taxes, criminal justice. Sits on policy committees that shape every state law.
For South Bay residents, key state issues include: CEQA reform and coastal development, wildfire insurance regulation, K-12 funding allocation, transportation (Metro, freeways), water policy.
Sara Deen D
Other field candidates
Bottom line for AD66 voters
This race has limited press coverage relative to higher-profile statewide races. Deen is the most-documented candidate, with a local school board record that signals South Bay community ties. For other candidates, the Voter Information Guide candidate statements (linked above) and Ballotpedia are the best sources.
D-leaning district means Deen has a strong path to the November runoff. The substantive choice — and the meaningful race — may actually arrive in November rather than June.