Stanislaus County GOP and Democratic Party reflect on election results

As the election results await certification, the Stanislaus County Republican and Democratic parties are reflecting on the outcomes, celebrating their victories and outlining their priorities for the future.

As of Thursday, 54% of Stanislaus County voters supported Donald Trump, marking the first time the county has backed a Republican presidential candidate since George Bush in 2004.

The race for House District 13 between Democrat Adam Gray and Republican John Duarte remains close, with Duarte holding a slight lead with 51%. However, Gray has the edge in Stanislaus County, receiving 53% of the votes, as of Thursday.

In the Assembly race, Republican Juan Alanis of Modesto is poised for a second term in Sacramento after garnering 57% of the vote and defeating Democrat Jessica Self.

Joel Campos, county chairman of the Republican Party of Stanislaus County, expressed excitement over Trump's reelection. "The voters have spoken, rejecting the out-of-touch policies of the left," he said,

He added that voters have chosen "common-sense policies" to lower food and energy prices, protect citizens and reduce government red tape.

Campos noted the GOP's efforts this election cycle, particularly their collaboration with the California GOP, the National Republican Congressional Committee and local campaign teams. New approaches to their get-out-the-vote initiatives included expanding from one office in Modesto to three across the county, establishing four ballot drop-box locations and encouraging early voting by mail.

Their election integrity team, responsible for monitoring the election process to ensure fairness, had over 100 volunteers working at polling centers and the Stanislaus County Elections Office. These volunteers, along with others, are now transitioning to focus on ballot-curing operations — fixing any issues with mail or absentee ballots, Campos said.

"For us, the election isn't over yet. We're keeping our foot on the gas and staying focused on getting our candidates across the finish line as the elections office continues its count," he said.

When asked about the county shifting more conservative, Campos expressed optimism about its direction. He highlighted key victories, including Alanis and Duarte, and said that these candidates align with voter priorities like reducing crime and addressing the rising costs of food, water and energy.

"Voters are tired of failed policies and want to see results," he said.

Dem leader concerned as 'an American and as a human' Lise Talbott, chair of the Stanislaus County Democratic Party, expressed disappointment over national results but said she wasn't surprised.

"The work really just continues," she said. She emphasized the need to protect vulnerable communities and mitigate the potential impacts of Trump's policies at all levels.

She said she's worried about economic challenges and healthcare access under a second Trump administration.

"I have those concerns, not just as a Democrat, but as an American and as a human," she said.

Still, Talbott celebrated several local wins, including retaining progressive leadership on the Modesto City Schools Board of Education and victories in Patterson, Turlock, Waterford and Riverbank races.

She said the candidates who won their elections were the ones knocking on doors and actively engaging with community members.

Talbott noted that while a shift toward a more conservative county is possible, she remains hopeful it won't happen. She believes that the midterm elections will be rough for Republicans.

Looking ahead, Talbott expressed concern over the potential consequences of Trump's presidency, particularly for communities of color, LGBTQ individuals and immigrants. She said she has been in discussions with immigration attorneys to explore ways the community can help protect families at risk of separation.

"We really need to lean into our strengths as Democrats to protect the collective good and the community as a whole, regardless of party," Talbott said.