FULLERTON, Calif. — Incumbent Ling Ling Chang has conceded the Senate District 29 race to Josh Newman, bringing an end to one of the more tumultuous power struggles in the county.

Newman, a Fullerton Democrat, beat Chang in 2016 by hundreds of votes only to be defeated in a recall election two years later.

Now, he feels vindicated, having retaken his seat by nearly 10,000 votes.

“I’m really gratified and elated. Given the history from 2016 through the special election to now, I think it’s a validation that people really care who represents them,” Newman said.

Newman was targeted in the recall after Senate Bill 1, known as the gas tax, was passed. There was statewide condemnation of the bill’s passage, and Newman had become the face of the Democrats’ supermajority lead in the Senate. Hundreds of thousands in spending went into the recall effort, which eventually led to a clear loss for Newman.

What You Need To Know

  • Josh Newman will enter a second term representing Senate District 29 after a first term that was interrupted by a loss in a 2018 recall election

  • Newman is leading the unofficial count 158,963 votes to 149,306

  • Democrats have also flipped Senate District 37 in favor of Dave Min

  • Newman, who spent more than $3.3 million on his campaign, nearly doubled Chang's spending

Tens of thousands voted in that recall instead of the hundreds of thousands that turnout for general elections. Anticipating an even bigger turnout in 2020 because of the presidential election, Newman reorganized and launched a comeback. He spent more than $3.3 million on his election efforts.

All candidates had to retool their campaigns as the global coronavirus pandemic kept people home and forced new conversations about legislation, health, and how to keep the economy going. Newman had to shelve his ice cream truck strategy, which he used to mingle with voters. Many candidates shifted from door knocking to inundating voters with phone calls and text messages.

Chang, a low tax conservative, lost by a clear margin in a district that largely overlaps with the 39th Congressional District. Republican Young Kim currently holds a nearly 10,000 vote lead in that race over incumbent Gil Cisneros.

Chang issued her concession through email. 

“Now is not the time for speeches maligning political opponents,” the statement said. “Now is the time for real leadership and I will continue to contribute to our community in whatever capacity I can. I have made sure that the incoming Senator has all the information needed to properly serve his constituents. I will ensure a smooth transition of this office and I will not act as other candidates have in the past, because my district deserves better than that. Many people are still struggling, seeking assistance for jobs lost and looking for leadership in their elected officials.” 

Newman will join a Senate that includes a Democrat majority. The party also flipped the District 37 seat, which had been held by John Moorlach for nearly six years.

Newman said getting through this pandemic will be a priority for California state legislators but noted there would be limits to what they can do without federal aid. He said every solution would need to be thoroughly vetted for pros and cons, pointing to an anticipated rental crisis.

“Lots of landlords who can’t get rent are going to wind up on arrears in their mortgages,” he said.