Greg Wallis widens lead over Christy Holstege in Inland Empire Assembly race

By prior standards, Assemblymember Greg Wallis held a huge lead over his opponent going into Monday, Nov. 18, in the race for an Inland Assembly seat.

Results posted by the California Secretary of State over the weekend show Wallis, R-Rancho Mirage, leading Holstege, a Democrat, by 3,896 votes — 50.9% to 49.1% — in the 47th Assembly District that spans Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

It's unclear how many uncounted ballots remain in the 47th.

Holstege, a Palm Springs city councilmember, sought a rematch against Wallis for the right to represent a district that includes Redlands, Highland and San Jacinto along with communities in the San Gorgonio Pass, the High Desert and the Coachella Valley.

Going into October, Democrats held a voter registration edge in the 47th. Close to 40% of the district's voters are registered Democrats, compared to 34% for the GOP.

On the campaign trail, Holstege touted her Palm Springs accomplishments, including hiring more first responders. Later in the campaign, she attacked Wallis as someone supported by far-right extremists and those who want to ban abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest.

While in Sacramento, Wallis has cultivated an image as a lawmaker who works with Democrats to address issues such as homelessness, crime and the cost of living. In an online ad , his campaign accused Holstege of calling the police racist and wanting to defund law enforcement and release felons from prison early.

California counties have until Dec. 5 to send election results to the Secretary of State's office, which is expected to certify the Nov. 5 general election by Dec. 13.