California Attorney General Kamala Harris and Rep. Loretta Sanchez finished first and second in Tuesday's primary for an open Senate seat, pitting them against each other in November. Either way, California is poised to make history, reports Mollie Reilly.
No matter who wins in November, the election is expected to break some important barriers. Sanchez would be the first Latina in the Senate, while Harris would be the first black woman elected to the upper chamber in over two decades. Harris’ mother was from India, which means Harris would also be the first South Asian-American in the Senate.
Either Sanchez or Harris would be the first woman of color to represent California in the Senate. November’s election will also mark the first time a Republican does not appear on the ballot for a statewide race.
The race could prove rather unpredictable even though Harris had a hefty lead heading into the primary. Sanchez, a Blue Dog Democrat, could attract GOP crossover votes, while Harris has the backing of high-profile Democrats like Gov. Jerry Brown and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Both candidates have strong appeal among differing voter blocs, according to a USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll.
Sanchez’s appeal is strongest among Latinos. She also is favored by younger voters, drawing 31 percent from 18 to 29 year olds, versus Harris with 16 percent. But Harris draws support from white and African-American voters, and fares well with older voters who are known for higher turnout than the younger generations. Harris has the support of 31 percent of those aged 50 to 64, and 30 percent of those aged 64 or older.
Harris also appeals to 55 percent of the Senate Primary voters who support Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Sanchez draws 52 percent of those who back Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.