California Assembly District 78

About this race

Chris Ward (Democratic) and Payton Galvez (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Chris Ward is the incumbent, per the Secretary of State's list. June 2 top-two primary result: Chris Ward (DEM) 68.5 percent and Payton Galvez (REP) 28.4 percent advanced over Antonio Salguero (LIB) 3.1 percent, per the Secretary of State's Statement of Vote. California's top-two primary decides who prints in November; the field is the Secretary of State's Certified List of Candidates for the General Election (August 27, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Chris Ward, is on the ballot.