California GOP Gains Ground as Democrat Loses Senate Seat

California State Senator Josh Newman, a Democrat, conceded his seat to Republican Steven Choi after a contentious election influenced by a powerful labor union, AFSCME 3299, which opposed Newman for not supporting a bill to protect UC worker rights. Despite significant Democratic spending to retain the seat, redistricting and union opposition contributed to Newman's defeat. This marks the second time Newman has lost his seat due to interest group opposition, having been recalled in 2018 over a gas tax vote.