By admin 
Assembly Republican Leader Alexandra Macedo, R-Tulare, suffered a stunning upset Friday in her reelection bid for her Central Valley seat, capping off what has been a disastrous legislative election for the party.
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The Associated Press called the race just before 6 p.m. for Democratic challenger Hipolito Cerros, who came from behind to take the lead.
“While ballots are still being counted, it now appears we will fall just short in our campaign for re-election to the state Assembly,” Macedo said in a statement.
Cerros, 28, is a former small town mayor who was defeated by Macedo in the June primary and did not run a major campaign on his way to victory. The loss helps expand the Democratic majority in the Assembly that could reach a record not seen since the 1850s. Senate Minority Leader Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, is also at risk of losing his seat.
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%
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“Serving you in Sacramento has been the honor of my life, and I’m grateful to every voter, volunteer and supporter who stood with us. Fighting for the Valley has been, and always will be, my passion,” said Macedo, 32.
Macedo took over the top Assembly Republican job in August a major jump for a freshman lawmaker who had joined the body after securing 62.9% of ballots cast in the 2024 election against another Republican. Donald Trump received 58.1% of the vote in the district during that year.
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
Cerros previously served as the mayor of Lindsay, which has a population of about 12,600. He was the only challenger Macedo faced in the summer primary and won 38.8% of the vote.
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A little before 6 p.m. Friday, he had 50.7% of ballots cast.
This story was originally published November 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM.