What's currently (OTL) CA-26, please!
CD Snapshot - This Week: CA-26
The Ventura County Line rumbles into the station, packed to the brim with commuters. Surrounding the station are ten to twelve story apartment blocks, restaurants and little independent shops. This is the new Ventura - a booming, transit-oriented bedroom community in its own right at the edge of Greater Los Angeles.
The county has emerged as a crucial swing area in recent years, belying its Democratic registration advantage. Brian Sandoval narrowly carried it in 2024, while Gavin Newsom ran up crucial margins here in both of his campaigns. Last year, the district was thought of as a key battleground as longtime Rep. Julia Brownley retired and SOS Matt Dababneh moved in to run for the open seat. His opponents called him a carpetbagger and hit him from the left - nevertheless, in a swingy district, the centrist Dababneh went on to win decisively in first the primary and the fall Top Two.
"People here are laid back, they just want efficient, reliable representation," Dababneh, who won two decisive majorities statewide. "These are suburban voters who care about schools, transit and quality of life."
Indeed, Ventura County - which forms the nucleus of the 26th - is one of California's fastest growing areas. Young families priced out of Los Angeles and loathe to live in the San Bernardino Valley are flocking to the beach access and booming subdivisions here. Some boosters imagine that the influx of people here will make Ventura the new "it spot" in Greater Los Angeles.
God, as someone who has been to and loved Ventura, the idea of it being turned into an ugly LA bedroom community is horrifying. :/
