Democrat Deborah Klein Lopez holds a 14-point lead over Republican Ted Nordblum in early returns for California's Assembly District 42 seat.

Klein Lopez had 73,795 votes, or 57.2%, compared to Nordblum's 55,107, or 42.8%, according to early returns published Tuesday, Nov. 3, on the Secretary of State website, the Ventura County Star reported.

The district covers most of east Ventura County, including Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark and parts of Camarillo, along with parts of Los Angeles County including Calabasas, Malibu and Agoura Hills. It represents more than 517,000 people.

Newbury Park resident Nordblum trails in third Assembly bid

Nordblum, 61, is a Newbury Park resident who has owned medical device company Titan Medical for more than 20 years. He ran for the seat unsuccessfully in both 2022 and 2024.

Klein Lopez, 58, is the mayor pro tem of the Agoura Hills City Council, where she has served since 2018, according to the Ventura County Star. She previously worked as a staffer in the California State Senate and Assembly.

Klein Lopez led the primary election with 51% of the vote. Nordblum finished second with 26%, followed by Simi Valley City Council member Rocky Rhodes with 23%.

County-level breakdown

In Ventura County, Klein Lopez had 49,240 votes, or 55.8%, compared to Nordblum's 38,980, or 44.2%. In Los Angeles County, Klein Lopez had 24,555 votes, or 60.4%, compared to Nordblum's 16,127, or 39.6%.

The Nov. 3 results reflect ballots cast at polling places before Nov. 3 and absentee ballots submitted in advance. Ballots turned in on or shortly before Nov. 3 will be counted over the following days and weeks. The Ventura County Elections Division will release updated totals on a regular basis until the count is complete.

Fundraising and the open seat

Klein Lopez outraised Nordblum heading into Nov. 3. Since January, she raised roughly $1.3 million and spent roughly $1 million, according to campaign finance reports, the Ventura County Star reported. Nordblum raised roughly $205,000 and spent roughly $235,000 over the same period.

The seat is being vacated by Jacqui Irwin, who is termed out after serving six two-year terms. Irwin is running for U.S. Representative in District 26.

The Ventura County Elections Division will continue posting updated vote totals as remaining ballots are processed.