SLO County Congressman Salud Carbajal heading to a third term
In the race for the 24th Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Salud Carbajal was on his way to re-election Tuesday night over Republican challenger Andy Caldwell.
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, the California Secretary of State’s website showed Carbajal well ahead with 61.9% of the vote, compared to Caldwell’s 38.1%, with all precincts partially reporting.
In San Luis Obispo County, Carbajal beat Caldwell 57.9% to 42.1%.
Carbajal, a former U.S. Marine and Santa Barbara County supervisor, has represented the district since 2016 and is seeking a third term. Caldwell, who has not held public office, is a decades-long talk radio host in Santa Maria and co-founder of the conservative activist group Coalition of Labor, Agriculture, and Business of Santa Barbara County.
Carbajal said late Tuesday that he was “elated” and grateful to his supporters. While he said there “couldn’t be a bigger contrast” between he and his opponent in the race, he pledged to continue to be a non-partisan legislator and represent all constituents regardless of political party.
“I’m willing to stand up and find our common ground,” he said.
Caldwell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The 24th Congressional District — which serves the Central Coast in the U.S. House of Representatives — encompasses all of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, as well as a small portion of northern Ventura County.
According to California Secretary of State data, the district leans blue, with 42.5% of registered voters identifying as Democratic, 29.4% Republican, and 21.6% no party preference.
This story was originally published November 3, 2020 at 9:04 PM.
