By admin 
The Democratic enthusiasm that is already set to widen the party’s lead in the California Legislature could now also topple the top Assembly Republican
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As of Tuesday evening, Assembly Republican Leader Alexandra Macedo, R-Tulare, had 50.5% of the vote in her Central Valley district, according to the California Secretary of State’s Office. Her lead over Hipolito Cerros — a young former small town mayor who was defeated soundly by Macedo in the June primary — has continued to narrow as ballots are counted.
“I feel cautiously optimistic,” said Cerros, 28. “I can’t wait to potentially represent them.”
Macedo’s loss would be a major win for Democrats who are looking to set a modern record of legislators in the Assembly. She is not the only Republican in legislative leadership in a tight race. Senate Minority Leader Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, is also at risk of losing.
“There are still thousands of ballots left to be counted, and we’re optimistic Ali will maintain her lead so she can continue fighting for the Central Valley in the State Assembly,” said campaign consultant Duane Dichiara in a statement Tuesday.
The district is about 45 miles southeast of Fresno and includes Hanford, Corcoran and parts of Visalia. Republicans make up 35.64% of registered voters. Democrats make up 33.21% Macedo, 32, defeated another Republican to win the seat in 2024 by securing 62.9% of ballots cast.
She secured the top Assembly Republican job in August, making a rapid rise for the freshman legislator. She took over for Assemblymember Heath Flora, R-Ripon.
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Cathy Jorgensen, chair of the Kings County Democratic committee, said Macedo was “MIA” in the district, but she was still surprised that Cerros had a chance to win. He previously served as the mayor of Lindsay, which has a population of about 12,600, but he did not run a major campaign. He was the only challenger Macedo faced in the summer primary and won 38.8% of the vote.
“It’s thrilling for me to see a young man like that get a chance to help his community,” Jorgensen said.
Cerros was likely helped by enthusiasm over Randy Villegas — a young Democrat who soundly defeated U.S. Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, for California’s 22nd Congressional District. The seat was strongly targeted by Democrats to flip after Valadao agreed to healthcare cuts pushed by the Trump administration.
That district overlaps about 20% with Macedo’s district, according to election data expert Paul Mitchell. He agreed that the support for Villegas may be playing a factor.
“If it comes down to a race that’s decided by 100 votes, then that’s more than enough to be attributed to the Villegas campaign,” he said.
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Mitchell expected the race to be close to the end.
This story was originally published November 11, 2026 at 11:51 AM.