Republican Natasha Johnson has declared victory over her democratic opponent, Chris Shoults, in the special election to fill the vacant 63rd Assembly District seat previously held by Assemblymember Bill Essayli, who resigned on April 1 after being appointed as an interim U.S. attorney.
As of Wednesday morning, the Riverside County Registrar of Voters showed Johnson, a Lake Elsinore City Council member, leading Shoults, a Menifee teacher, 54.35% to 45.65%.
“It is with immense honor and gratitude to the voters of the 63rd Assembly District for their confidence in electing me as their next assemblywoman!” Johnson said in a social media post. “We ran a positive campaign, and it’s clear, voters have spoken, they want balance in Sacramento where one party rule has prevailed for far too long. It’s time to get to work on behalf of the residents of Riverside County for a brighter and more prosperous future!”
Johnson and Shoults were the top two winners in the June primary election, which also included Vincent Romo and Zachary Consalvo. Since no candidate received a majority of the vote, Johnson and Shoults advanced to Tuesday’s runoff election.
Johnson was elected to the Lake Elsinore City Council in 2012 and has since served three terms as mayor. With this victory, she will now complete the remainder of Essayli’s term, which expires at the end of 2026.
