Riverside County voters cast their ballots on Tuesday.

Although Johnson, a Republican, is short of the majority required to avoid a runoff, she leads over Democratic challenger Chris Shoults by 1,300 votes, unofficial results show.

The two candidates are vying for a seat that represents a wide swath of the county, left empty this spring when President Donald Trump appointed Assemblymember Bill Essayli to serve as U.S. Attorney.

In late May, tens of thousands of vote-by-mail ballots made their way to voters ahead of the June 24 Special Primary Election. If no one gets a majority of the vote by the time the results are certified on July 3, Johnson and Shoults will face off in an Aug. 26 runoff.

The new 63rd District assemblymember will represent Norco, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake as well as parts of Eastvale, Riverside and Corona.

Early returns show that candidates Vincent Romo, a Republican, garnered 8.4 percent of the votes (4,872), while Zachary Consalvo, a libertarian, grabbed 1.3 percent of the votes (753).

Johnson, who announced her candidacy on April 3, pledged to bring “common sense” back to Sacramento. The Republican has already received an endorsement from Essayli and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is running for governor in 2026.

“I’ve selected Natasha because I know that she is a fighter and she will carry on my message and the battles that we’ve had in Sacramento whether that’s on public safety or parental rights,” Essayli said.

“What an honor to continue to serve and keep the charge going for Assemblyman Essayli,” she said.

Meanwhile, Shoults has emphasized his focus on lowering the cost of living, education reform and economic diversity.

“No more self-serving political agendas and partisan games,” Shoults said in a statement. “It’s time for real leadership and representation that puts people first.”

Here are all of the candidates competing for the Riverside County district:

• Chris Shoults (Democrat), a business owner and educator
• Natasha Johnson (Republican), a Lake Elsinore councilmember and business owner
• Vincent Romo (Republican), a history professor and former athlete
• Zachary T. Consalvo (Libertarian), a businessman and public servant

The post Lake Elsinore City Councilwoman Pulls Ahead In Race For RivCo Assembly Seat appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called the special election last month after President Donald Trump appointed Assemblymember Bill Essayli to serve as U.S. Attorney in early April. If no one gets a majority of the vote in June, the top two candidates will face off in an Aug. 26 runoff.

The new 63rd District assemblymember will represent Norco, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake as well as parts of Eastvale, Riverside and Corona. Four candidates have entered the race:

• Chris Shoults (Democrat), a business owner and educator
• Natasha Johnson (Republican), a Lake Elsinore councilmember and business owner
• Vincent Romo (Republican), a history professor and former athlete
• Zachary T. Consalvo (Libertarian), a businessman and public servant

Assembly District 63 in Riverside County. (California State Assembly)

Johnson, who announced her candidacy on April 3, pledged to bring “common sense” back to Sacramento. The Republican has already received an endorsement from Essayli.

“I’ve selected Natash because I know that she is a fighter and she will carry on my message and the battles that we’ve had in Sacramento whether that’s on public safety or parental rights,” Essayli said.

“What an honor to continue to serve and keep the charge going for Assemblyman Essayli,” she said.

She has also received endorsements from Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is running for governor in 2026.

Meanwhile, Shoults emphasized his focus on lowering the cost of living, education reform, and economic diversity.

“No more self-serving political agendas and partisan games,” Shoults said in a statement. “It’s time for real leadership and representation that puts people first.”

Romo, who says he’s self-funding his campaign, described himself as a data-driven outsider ready to challenge the establishment.

“My candidacy is not about power, but representation by the people, for the people,” he wrote in a statement on Wednesday.

Consalvo says he is the only candidate with experience across education, poverty alleviation, community outreach, agriculture, and government. His platform centers on sweeping reforms to improve government transparency and community representation. He proposes annual tax audits, salary caps for local officials, and restrictions on government retirees working as consultants.

When And Where To Vote In the Special Election

Election Day: Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Vote-by-Mail Ballots:

• Mailed to 315,000 registered voters on May 27
• Must be postmarked by June 24 and received by July 1
• No postage necessary
• Can be returned by mail, at official drop boxes, or at any vote center within District 63

Drop Box & Vote Center Info:

• Two 24-hour drop boxes are available at: 2720 & 2724 Gateway Drive, Riverside

In-Person Voting:

• Early Voting: May 27 through Election Day Monday, Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays)
• Election Day Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Riverside County Registrar’s office.

Registration Deadline:

• Must register or update info by June 9
• Register online at registertovote.ca.gov or call (951) 486-7200 for a paper application

The post 4 Compete For RivCo’s District 63 Seat As Special Election Nears appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.