As of Wednesday morning, the race for California’s Assembly District 7 appears to remain in the hands of a Folsom resident. Republican incumbent Josh Hoover. Hoover holds a 7% lead over his challenger, Citrus Heights City Council member and Democrat Porsche Middleton, with 53.7% of the vote—totaling 58,152 ballots cast in his favor. Middleton trails with 46.3%, or 50,160 votes.
These results reflect only the initial tally from election night, and with substantial mail-in and provisional ballots still to be counted, Hoover’s margin could fluctuate as Sacramento County continues processing outstanding votes. Local officials expect further updates over the coming days, especially with California’s strong mail-in voting trend, which frequently results in post-Election Day shifts in vote counts.
“While there are still many votes left to count, I am overwhelmed by the support we have received in our race for Assembly so far. After three updates, our lead climbed to nearly 7%,” Hoover said in a social media message to his supporters. “Thank you to my family and incredible team for all their dedication and hard work. I am also grateful to see that Californians have restored common sense and made our neighborhoods safer by passing Proposition 36. This is the most substantial policy change voters have made in a very long time, and I was proud to support it.”
Hoover’s current lead reflects continued support within District 7, which includes a mix of suburban and unincorporated communities such as Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Citrus Heights. These areas have become increasingly competitive, especially as state-level issues like crime, homelessness, and economic policy remain top concerns for voters. Hoover first won the seat in 2022 after narrowly unseating longtime Democratic incumbent Ken Cooley with a 50.4% margin. Since then, Hoover has worked to solidify his reputation as a moderate Republican focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and job growth.
During his first term, Hoover has taken an active role on economic and environmental committees, including serving as vice chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy. This committee, which supports California’s small businesses and job creation, has provided Hoover a platform to address the district’s economic needs while balancing his conservative principles on fiscal policy. Additionally, he is vice chair of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials, focusing on measures to safeguard environmental and public health in the community.
Throughout the campaign, Hoover has focused strongly on public safety, aligning with law enforcement and advocating for stronger policies to combat crime. This approach has earned him endorsements from several local law enforcement organizations, including the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. Hoover has been vocal about opposing what he describes as “soft-on-crime” policies, aligning his message with a growing concern among residents about regional safety.
Hoover has also campaigned on addressing California’s budget deficit, prioritizing tax reduction, and cutting government spending to alleviate financial pressures on Californians. This message appears to have resonated with some parts of District 7, particularly in suburban areas concerned about the high cost of living and state spending. His platform contrasts with Middleton’s, which focuses on reproductive rights, affordable housing, and gun safety—a campaign backed by endorsements from various labor unions and Democratic organizations.
The results so far underscore the competitiveness of the District 7 race, as Democrats seek to reclaim the seat they held before 2022, while Republicans aim to maintain their gains in an increasingly divided district. With ballots still being counted, both campaigns remain hopeful for potential shifts in the final tally.
