Shoemaker running neck and neck with McNerney

Nov. 7—Two local state races are neck and neck and may not be decided until the California Secretary of State finalizes ballot counts in December.

Democrat Jerry McNerney leads Republican Jim Shoemaker of Clements by a small margin in the 5th Senate District contest, with the former Congressman tallying 90,199 votes for 50.2% of ballots cast.

Shoemaker, who owns his own construction business and is a California Republican Assembly vice president, has garnered 90,199 votes for 49.8% of ballots counted.

McNerney is a seasoned politician, having served in Congress for 16 years, while Shoemaker is a political newcomer, running unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 and Senate 2000.

McNerney says he's running to make a difference.

"Our region needs balanced, experienced leadership, and an economy that benefits all of us," he says.

McNerney says he will bring "unique and valuable experience to the job," citing his years in Congress and the relationships he's built across party lines. He also supports protecting the Delta and "building a sustainable water future."

Shoemaker says he's running for office because he believes this district needs help, saying, "Parental rights have been violated by the last administration and the education system in California is a mess. Crime is running rampant because we are not holding criminals accountable for theft and vandalism. Our most valuable resource, water, is mismanaged and dumped into the ocean.

In the 9th Congressional District race, incumbent Josh Harder, D-Tracy, is holding off Republican Kevin Lincoln, the mayor of Stockton.

Harder has earned 50.8% of ballots counted, with 74,019 residents voting for him,

"It's too early to know the final results, but we are feeling optimistic with the early returns and I'm humbled by the outpouring of support,Harder said. "It's important that every ballot is counted and we look forward to sharing additional information as we learn more."

Lincoln has garnered 49.2% of ballots cast for 71,792 voting for him.

"This race is incredibly close," he said. "We are patiently and optimistically waiting for further results. I am grateful to every voter who turned out to make their voices heard and to the countless supporters who joined me on this journey."

In the 9th Assembly District, incumbent Heath Flora has a large lead over Lodi resident Tami Nobriga. The Ripon Republican has tallied 74,082 votes for 70.1% of ballots cast, compared to Nobriga's 31,614 votes for 29.9% of the ballots cast.

In the race for the U.S. Congress' 7th District seat, incumbent Doris Matsui took a commanding early lead as she garnered 90,816 votes for 64.5% of ballots cast.

Former Galt Joint Union Elementary School District trustee Tom Silva collected 50,055 votes for 35.5% of ballots cast.