Story perspectives

Republicans Jump 8% in Mail Ballots, Democrats Still Lead

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mail-ballot returns show Republicans at 34 % of the vote, up 8 % from 2022, while Democrats fell to 41 %.
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio said the numbers are encouraging for conservatives but warned they are not conclusive and feared a shutout in the governor’s race and four other statewide contests.
Political data director Paul Mitchell noted Democrats may await a decisive endorsement while Republicans already have U.S. President Donald Trump-endorsed Steve Hilton.

1 of 1

Story summary

Mail-ballot returns show Republicans at 34 % of the vote, up 8 % from 2022, while Democrats fell to 41 %.
Assemblymember Carl DeMaio said the numbers are encouraging for conservatives but warned they are not conclusive and feared a shutout in the governor’s race and four other statewide contests.
Political data director Paul Mitchell noted Democrats may await a decisive endorsement while Republicans already have U.S. President Donald Trump-endorsed Steve Hilton.