Assembly District 36: Can a Coalition of Moderate Democrats Turn this Blue California Seat Red?

AD36
Published: 13 Sep, 2024
Updated: 17 Sep, 2024
3 min read

The race for California’s Assembly District 36 is shaping up to be a close contest between Republican Jeff Gonzalez and Democrat Joey Acuña, Jr.

AD36 is a diverse district that includes both urban areas and vast rural stretches, making it a unique battleground in the upcoming election. It consists of all of Imperial County and a large portion of Riverside County, including areas on the eastern and northeastern sides of the Coachella Valley.

This district includes tribal lands and communities that run along the California/Arizona border and the United States/Mexico border, which are all connected by environmental and health concerns related to the Salton Sea and agricultural interests. 

The race is expected to be closely watched as both parties vie for control in this competitive district that is 43% Democratic, with 21% No Party Preference (NPPs) and 28% Republican voters. It means whoever wins will have to appeal to independent voters without alienating their partisan base. 

In June, “Gonzalez, a Republican, announced a coalition of Democrats behind his campaign to defeat Democratic rival and Coachella Valley Unified School District board member Joey Acuña Jr.” the Imperial Valley Press reported.

Jeff Gonzalez: The Republican Building Democratic Support

Gonzalez

A Marine Corps veteran, Gonzalez has focused his campaign on three core issues: cost of living, education, and bipartisanship.

Gonzalez’s campaign has drawn support from farmers, law enforcement and business organizations. But, perhaps most notably, Gonzalez has drawn a number of Democratic endorsements, including former Imperial County Democratic Central Committee chair and former Imperial Irrigation District Director Tony Gallegos. 

“Jeff is the type of guy who will sit down, put politics aside, and work together to solve problems. We need more of that. Bipartisan leaders like him who are willing to work across the aisle for a better Imperial County,” Gallegos said.

Joey Acuña: The Democrat with A Strong Base of Local Support

JoeyAcuna

Acuña’s deep roots in the district’s rural communities have positioned him as a candidate who understands the unique challenges facing the area. He has focused his campaign on improving schools, combating rising costs, reducing homelessness, jobs, climate change, and health care.

IVP Donate

“Joey Acuña is currently serving his fifth term on the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees. In this role, he’s worked to improve graduation rates, enhance after-school programs, and expand the district’s college and career pathway programs,” his campaign website says.

Acuña’s campaign has received support from labor groups, educators, and community activists. 

“I’m running for State Assembly because l believe in the promise of California, and I want to make sure the kids who grow up in our district have access to world-class schools, good-paying jobs, and clean air and water. I’ll listen to residents and work hard every day to improve and protect our quality of life. I’d be honored to earn your vote,” Acuña says on his campaign website.

What’s at Stake?

The AD36 race is critical for both parties as they seek to secure control of key legislative seats in Riverside and Imperial Counties. 

As the general election approaches, both Gonzalez and Acuña are expected to intensify their efforts to appeal to undecided and NPP voters, particularly those in the district’s suburban and rural areas.

Related articles

American flag with I Voted stickers on it.
Yes, Elections Have Consequences -- Primary Elections to Be Specific
Can you imagine a Republican winning in an electoral district in which Democrats make up 41% of the registered electorate? Seems farfetched in much of the country. As farfetched as a Democrat winning in a R+10 district....
16 Nov, 2024
-
5 min read
California flag
California General Election 2024: Races Where Independent Voters Will Have Outsized Influence on Outcome
As it does each election cycle, Independent Voter News is bringing its readers extensive coverage of the most competitive elections in California, and how independent voters will decide the future of the Golden State....
13 Sep, 2024
-
6 min read
SD23
Senate District 23: Can a Progressive Democrat Turn This Red Senate Seat Blue?
The race for California’s Senate District 23 is shaping up to be a closely watched contest. Republican Suzette Valladares is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Kip Mueller in this district that has seen significant demographic and political shifts in recent years....
13 Sep, 2024
-
4 min read

Latest articles

Bottle with a cannabis plant on it.
Is Texas About to Be More Chill on Hemp Than California?
California has just proposed a sweeping new rule to permanently ban intoxicating hemp products — and Texas may soon follow, as Governor Greg Abbott (R) faces a June 22 deadline to sign or veto a similar bill....
19 Jun, 2025
-
4 min read
Stack of I voted buttons.
RCV Advocates Say Charlottesville’s First Ranked Choice Election Delivers on Promise of Diverse Representation
Tuesday marked a historic election for Charlottesville, Virginia, as the city used ranked choice voting (RCV) for the first time in a competitive Democratic primary. RCV advocates say the results offer a compelling case for the system’s potential to increase representation and voter satisfaction....
19 Jun, 2025
-
4 min read
Crowd cheering
2025 Has Already Been a Monumental Win for Independent Voters
We’re halfway into 2025 and the year has already delivered several wins for independent voters and their right to equal participation in elections following a campaign cycle in which statewide ballot measure losses threatened to slow down the movement....
18 Jun, 2025
-
13 min read