News Summary
The race for the 67th Assembly District seat has reached unprecedented fundraising levels, totaling $391,400. With no incumbent due to term limits, candidates are pushing for financial support amid changing political dynamics. Artesia City Councilmember Ali Sajjad Taj leads with over $263,000 in contributions, while former Orange County Democratic Party chair Ada Briceño follows with $116,300. Tensions rise as candidates vie for the seat, shaped by increased spending and competing interests in this closely watched race.
Buena Park, California – The race for the 67th Assembly District seat has made headlines for its remarkable fundraising achievements, pulling in $391,400 as of May 12, 2025. This figure marks it as the most costly open legislative contest in California’s upcoming 2026 election cycle. Increased campaign spending is largely attributed to significant shifts in the political landscape of the district, which has been a Democratic stronghold, primarily due to the longstanding influence of Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, who is not running due to term limits.
The 67th Assembly District includes the cities of Buena Park, Fullerton, and La Palma, as well as parts of Los Angeles County such as Artesia and Cerritos. Within this diverse electorate, about 42% of registered voters identify as Democrats, while 28% align with the Republican Party, and approximately 25% have no party preference. The unique dynamics within the district have created fertile ground for new candidates to emerge and compete for the seat vacated by Quirk-Silva.
Political experts indicate that open seats tend to drive higher contributions from political factions and interest groups looking to influence the race. Current candidates have deep-rooted local connections which further bolster their ability to attract early financial support. Artesia City Councilmember Ali Sajjad Taj leads the fundraising efforts, amassing over $263,000 from 207 contributions, showcasing strong backing from both individual and local business donors, including significant contributions from the CEO of Premium Health Solution and Cornerstone Artesia Development.
In comparison, former Orange County Democratic Party chair Ada Briceño has raised $116,300, with strong financial backing from unions, highlighted by contributions from UNITE HERE Local 2 PAC and AFSCME Local 3299. Cerritos Councilmember Mark Pulido has gathered $11,800, including a notable sum from a local business, indicating a stark contrast in fundraising capabilities among the candidates.
As competition heightens, it is not unusual for candidates to seize fundraising opportunities when a legislator is nearing term limits to showcase their viability and readiness for office. Taj began his fundraising efforts as early as September 2024, giving him a significant head start in the race. The fundraising landscape is further complicated by opposition from external groups like the hotel and lodging association of California, which has established a Political Action Committee (PAC) against Briceño due to her pro-union stance.
The competitive nature of the race is reflective of a broader trend in Orange County, where early financial competition is characteristic of environments transitioning from established leadership. Political analysts note that early opposition from organized labor groups illustrates their growing influence, shifting the power dynamics within local politics.
This fundraising fervor parallels the intensifying race in the 34th Senate District, where Assemblymember Avelino Valencia has raised $208,000, drawing five-figure contributions from diverse interest groups such as healthcare, education, and law enforcement. Former Placentia Mayor Rhonda Shader is also in the mix, having raised $36,000 primarily through individual donations from Republican supporters.
Historically, increased fundraising activity is typically seen when there is no incumbent, demonstrating that candidates are actively recognizing and responding to the unique political landscape. In a separate context, Christine Moore, an Orange County Commissioner, has announced her intent to run for Apopka Mayor in 2026, with her campaign bracketed by a focus on leadership changes and her continued service until November 2026, should she be elected.
In addition to the dynamics of local races, state political matters are also in flux with ongoing legal conversations regarding a voter ID measure passed by Huntington Beach voters, challenged by the California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber. These discussions carry significant implications for electoral operations and potential conflicts with existing state election law, as national themes regarding voting rights and access continue to unfold.
As local races heat up and larger state issues loom, the evolving landscape in the 67th Assembly District stands as a key example of how political contests are increasingly shaped by financial contributions and emerging voter sentiments.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Expensive Assembly Race
- Democracy Docket: Voter ID Law Challenge
- Florida Politics: Christine Moore Runs for Apopka Mayor
- East Bay Times: Trump’s Executive Order Impact
- Google Search: California Politics
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
