The race for California’s Assembly District 7 is shaping up to be a pivotal and tightly contested election, meaning it has all the makings of a race that could be decided by No Party Preference (NPP) voters.

Incumbent Republican Josh Hoover is facing a determined challenge from Democrat Porsche Middleton in a district that has seen growing political competition in recent years.

Hoover, who is from Folsom, is running for re-election in a district that is a perpetual political battleground and one that includes the eastern suburbs of Sacramento, home to some of the region’s wealthiest communities, as well as diverse, working-class commuter cities.

While Hoover secured a comfortable lead in the primary, the general election is expected to be more competitive because presidential elections typically bring out a more liberal electorate in California.

“Democrats are looking for revenge here, after Hoover narrowly defeated the longtime Democratic incumbent in 2022. Porsche Middleton, who owns a housing development consulting firm and is a member of the Citrus Heights City Council, emerged from the March primary to challenge Hoover. Hoover won a majority in March, despite the Democratic registration advantage in the district,” CalMatters reports, summing up the race.

“Amid a legislative focus on homelessness and fentanyl in his first term, Hoover has also been advocating against a return-to-office mandate for state government workers, who make up a large portion of the district’s voters.”

Middleton was recently coined a “rising star” by the Sacramento Bee, which endorsed her even though the newspaper endorsed Hoover two years ago.

“Middleton does not act or sound like a rookie aspirant,” the newspaper said. “Now 40, Middleton was the first Black woman elected mayor of her city. Before that, she was a planning commissioner. But to make the change in California that she seeks to accomplish, she has to head to the Capitol.”

Josh Hoover: Law Enforcement Lines Up Behind the Moderate Republican 

Hoover is running a campaign focused on keeping communities safe “by standing with public safety, making California more affordable, advocating for fiscal responsibility, protecting taxpayers and fighting for school choice.”

He is endorsed by numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, and the Republican Party of Sacramento County.

“California deserves a Representative in Sacramento who will fight to keep our communities safe by standing with public safety, making California more affordable, advocating for fiscal responsibility, protecting taxpayers and fighting for school choice,” his campaign website says.

Porsche Middleton: Democratic Powerhouses Line Up Behind the Rising Star

Middleton, a small business owner with deep roots in the community, has positioned herself as a candidate who understands the needs of everyday Californians.

She has earned numerous labor endorsements from several groups including the American Federation of Government Employees and the powerful California Teachers Association.

She also is endorsed by the California Democratic Party.

“As a former union member and current Citrus Heights City Councilmember, Porsche has fought to make a real impact for middle class families to build housing that’s affordable, improve roads, and bring new jobs to the community,” her campaign website says. 

What’s at Stake?

The AD7 race is critical for both parties as they seek to secure control of key legislative seats in Northern California.

For Democrats, flipping AD7 back to blue would represent a significant victory in a region that has become increasingly competitive. For Republicans, retaining this seat is a must for the GOP to continue to try and bring some balance to Sacramento. 

As the general election draws near, both Hoover and Middleton are expected to ramp up their efforts to win over undecided voters, particularly those who identify as independent or NPPs. 

With both candidates offering distinct visions for the future of the district, this race is likely to be closely contested until the very end.