Rebecca Bauer-Kahan dominated the June 2 primary election for the California State Assembly, earning 64.7% of the vote.
Bauer-Kahan, an Orinda resident, easily outpaced Republican challenger Joseph Rubay, who finished with 31.8% of the vote, while independent Chirag Kathrani was named on 3.6% of the ballots.
The final outcome will not be decided until November, but Bauer-Kahan, a Democrat, has represented Assembly District 16 since 2019, and will be the strong favorite in the heavily Democratic district this fall.
“I’m deeply grateful to the voters of Assembly District 16, who chose me overwhelmingly in Tuesday’s primary,” said Bauer-Kahan. “Representing the area I call home is the honor of my life, and I’m humbled by the support our community has shown me.”
Bauer-Kahan spent $133,182 in the first five months of the election, and had $655,089 cash on hand at the time of the last report in late May. Bugay spent $19,310, and goes into the general election with $22,161 cash on hand.
District 16 includes Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, Walnut Creek and broad swaths of Contra Costa County running south through Danville, San Ramon, Pleasanton and Livermore.
California State Assemblymembers serve two-year terms. Under California’s current law, both Assemblymembers and State Senators (Either capitalize both State and Senators or neither) are limited to a lifetime maximum of 12 years of total service in the California Legislature.
The results of the election will not be officially certified until July 10.
“In the Assembly, I’m proud of what I’ve been able to deliver for our community and state. Since I was elected, I have passed 80 bills and resolutions focused on the issues that matter most to our community,” said Bauer-Kahan, citing the areas of affordability, public safety, mental health, women’s health and keeping kids safe online.
“My work has always been about fighting for our shared values and our community’s needs,” she said, “making life more affordable, keeping our kids safe and finding common-sense solutions that put people above special interests. I’ve never believed this job is about partisanship – it’s about results.”
Rubay did not respond to requests for comment.
