San Mateo County, California

California Assembly District 21

2 candidates are tracked for California Assembly District 21 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Diane Papan and Jabra J Muhawieh. Candidate information follows official San Mateo County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Diane Papan (Democratic) and Jabra J Muhawieh (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Diane Papan is the incumbent, per the Secretary of State's list. June 2 top-two primary result: Diane Papan (DEM) 78.7 percent and Jabra J Muhawieh (REP) 21.3 percent advanced, 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, Diane Papan, is on the ballot.

California › San Mateo County › California Assembly District 21

Diane Papan

Democratic Incumbent

Top priorities

Investing in year-round wildfire prevention.
Amending the State Constitution to protect reproductive freedom, including access to contraceptives.
Expanding use of recycled and reclaimed water to address drought.

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Diane Papan was first elected to the Assembly in November 2022 and represents the 21st District, covering the Bayside of San Mateo County from Brisbane to East Palo Alto, per her official Assembly biography. She previously served as mayor and a city councilmember for San Mateo. She is running for reelection as the Democratic candidate.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Jabra J Muhawieh

Republican

Top priorities

Government that is accountable to taxpayers and focused on results
Creating opportunities for working families, homeowners and small businesses

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Jabra Muhawieh is a business owner, Enrolled Agent, tax professional and California real estate broker based in Millbrae, per his campaign site. He operates his family's tax preparation firm and a grocery and liquor business that has served San Francisco since 1906. He is the Republican candidate for California Assembly District 21.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotCalifornia Assembly District 23

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for California Assembly District 21 in 2026?

When is the California Assembly District 21 election in California?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for California are on the California election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact San Mateo County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official San Mateo County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official California election office, or see the full San Mateo County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your San Mateo County ballot

3 tracked races in San Mateo County, California. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

California Assembly District 19 See all 3 San Mateo County races

Candidate profiles

Diane Papan, full profile Jabra J Muhawieh, full profile Official California election office