Democrats’ Total Control Of Legislature Hinges On Key Race

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Democrats’ total dominance of the state Legislature likely comes down to a single state Senate seat. Republicans are trying to retain the seat being given up by termed-out Sen. Anthony Cannella in California’s Central Valley. Democrats are pinning their hopes in Tuesday’s election on Assemblywoman Anna Caballero while Republicans fielded Madera County Supervisor Rob Poythress. Democrats need 27 votes for a two-thirds majority in the 40-member Senate, and have 26. They need 54 votes in the 80-member Assembly, and have 55. The biggest Assembly fight was for the seat held by Democratic Riverside County Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes. A supermajority in both chambers would allow Democrats to raise taxes without Republican votes. Republicans have rallied opposition to last year’s gas tax hike, while Democrats fanned a backlash to President Donald Trump.

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