Hoover, Middleton make final push for District 7 as ballots arrive in mail
Republican Josh Hoover, the incumbent assemblymember, and Democrat Porsche Middleton, a current Citrus Heights City Council member, entered the final few weeks of their campaign to be the next assemblymember for the region.
Winning 50.4% of the vote in the 2022 election, Hoover was elected to represent California Assembly District 7, which covers the cities of Folsom, Citrus Heights, and Rancho Cordova, along with the unincorporated areas of Foothill Farms, Fair Oaks, Mather, North Highlands, Rosemont, Orangevale, McClellan Park, Gold River, and Carmichael. During his two-year term, Hoover became vice chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy.
This committee promotes California’s economic development while supporting small business growth and job creation. Additionally, Hoover is a member of the California Problem Solvers Caucus, a bipartisan group focused on finding common-sense solutions to issues affecting Californians. He also serves as vice chair of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, which researches and oversees legislation related to environmental safety.
In his re-election campaign, Hoover has emphasized his unwavering support for law enforcement and opposition to what he calls California’s soft-on-crime policies. Another priority of his is addressing the state’s $50 billion budget deficit while reducing taxes and cutting reckless spending.
Middleton was first elected to the Citrus Heights City Council in 2018. During her tenure, she has invested in community-based programs, public transportation, and affordable housing. She also led the $1.2 billion Sunrise Mall revitalization project. On the campaign trail, Middleton has highlighted her support for abortion rights and women’s equality. She has advocated for keeping local clinics open and voiced her commitment to protecting a woman’s right to choose in the post-Roe era. Regarding equality, Middleton has pushed for equal pay and increased representation of women in the workforce. On public safety, Middleton has pledged to remove illegal firearms from the streets and enact common-sense gun regulations. She currently serves on the state Housing Partnership board, which promotes affordable housing and works to expedite new housing construction.
Both Middleton and Hoover bring distinct visions for how to improve the lives of Assembly District 7 residents. With less than 21 days until Election Day, planning your vote is essential. The race for this seat in 2022 was extremely close, with more than 166,000 votes cast and a margin of just 1,383 votes. Your vote matters. If you do not plan to use your mail-in ballot, mark November 5—or an early voting day—on your calendar to visit a polling place. In Sacramento County, voting centers will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. For more information about the candidates, visit their campaign websites or consult the official voter information guide.
Article authored by Dylan Smith, a student writer and Folsom resident.
