Salud Carbajal, Jimmy Panetta win reelection to represent SLO County in Congress
Two Democratic incumbents cruised to reelection to represent San Luis Obispo County in Congress, according to a final Election Night ballot count.
The Associated Press called both races after U.S. Rep Jimmy Panetta built a strong lead for District 19 and Congressman Salud Carbajal did the same in District 24.
The incumbents held onto their seats in their newly redrawn districts.
In previous elections, the entire county was part of District 24, but redistricting in 2020 split SLO County over two congressional districts.
Now, areas of the county from Santa Margarita and Cayucos to the south reside in District 24, while areas to the north are in District 19.
Jimmy Panetta wins U.S. Congress District 19 race
As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, with 100% of districts partially reporting, Panetta was far ahead of financial adviser Jeff Gorman, with nearly a 35-point advantage.
Panetta has secured 67.3% of the vote so far, compared to 32.7% for Gorman.
Panetta was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016, representing Monterey and San Benito counties, plus parts of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
“I will continue to protect our natural and economic resources, promote our agriculture and hospitality industries and ensure that the Central Coast receives its fair share of federal funding and support for our agricultural research, military installations and national sanctuaries, monuments and forests,” Panetta said in The Tribune’s voter guide.
Gorman is the former chair for the Monterey County Republican Party and has served in various local roles including on the city of Monterey’s Architectural Review Committee.
Salud Carbajal reelected in District 24
With 100% of precincts partially reporting as of 11 a.m. Wednesday, Carbajal won the race with 60.7% of the vote, 21 points above challenger Dr. Brad Allen, who trailed with 39.3%.
“I’m feeling ecstatic,” Carbajal told The Tribune Tuesday night. “I feel that the voters of the Central Coast are reaffirming the work I’ve done on their behalf.”
In his new term, he said he will focus on implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, ensuring that Central Coast residents can afford gas, food and groceries and have access to housing and healthcare. He also wants to keep an eye on the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
“They want me to continue fighting for these things in Congress, and there’s a lot of work to be done,” Carbajal said.
Carbajal was elected to Congress in 2016 to represent San Luis Obispo County and part of Santa Barbara County.
“No one who works full-time should live in poverty,” Carbajal said in The Tribune’s voter guide. “We have to create more opportunities for people to lift themselves into the middle class and thrive.”
This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 8:21 PM.
