Election updates show stable results in Santa Monica and shifts in Washington state

In Santa Monica, recent ballot counts have not significantly altered the preliminary election results. Lana Negrete, Mayor Caroline Torosis, and Ashley Oelsen maintain their leads in the City Council races. Oelsen is expected to replace Jesse Zwick, who declined to run for re-election. Additionally, Measure ES is projected to fail with approximately 53 percent of the vote against 47 percent. The defeat of this measure leaves the City Council with upcoming decisions regarding the $12 million annual funding for Santa Monica schools following the expiration of the Master Facilities Use Agreement in 2027.

In Washington state, election officials are monitoring potential shifts in the state House. Democrats are seeking seven additional wins to reach a supermajority. In the Yakima Valley, Democratic challengers Chelsea Dimas and Ezequiel Morfin have increased their margins in Legislative District 14, leading Republican incumbents Gloria Mendoza and Deb Manjarrez. The results in this district, which spans four counties, are expected to be clearer following larger ballot drops later in the week.