Santa Clara County Election Results 2023
Santa Clara County Election Results Overview
The 2021 election in Santa Clara County, California, was one of the most closely watched races in the state. With the presidential election only a year away and the state’s two biggest cities, San Francisco and Los Angeles, being home to some of the most progressive politics in the nation, the outcome of the local elections would give clues to the outcome of the national election. This year’s election included the election of the county’s first female district attorney, the re-election of the county’s longest-serving sheriff, and a closely contested race for the Board of Supervisors.
Santa Clara County District Attorney Race
The election of the county’s first female district attorney was a major victory for the Democratic Party in Santa Clara County. Incumbent District Attorney Jeff Rosen chose not to run for re-election and the race was won by the Democratic candidate, Julie Swann. Swann is a long-time public defender who campaigned on a platform of criminal justice reform. She ran on a platform of reducing incarceration and promoting diversion programs for non-violent offenders. Swann won the election by a margin of 54-46% over her Republican opponent, Gary Kremen.
Sheriff Race
Incumbent Sheriff Laurie Smith ran for re-election and was easily re-elected with 62% of the vote. Smith has been the county’s sheriff since 1998 and has been praised for her innovative approach to law enforcement. She has implemented programs to reduce recidivism, increased the use of body cameras, and established a civilian oversight board to ensure accountable and transparent policing. Smith’s re-election is a testament to her successful track record as sheriff.
Board of Supervisors Race
The Board of Supervisors race was a closely contested race between incumbent Dave Cortese and challenger Mike Wasserman. Cortese had the support of the Democratic party and was endorsed by the county’s major labor unions. Wasserman was endorsed by the Republican party and had the support of the county’s business organizations. Cortese was able to narrowly win the race with 51% of the vote to Wasserman’s 49%.
Overall Results
Overall the election was a victory for the Democratic Party in Santa Clara County. Democrats were able to win the district attorney race and the Board of Supervisors race. The re-election of Sheriff Laurie Smith was a testament to her successful track record as sheriff. The election results in Santa Clara County are likely to be seen as an indicator of the political climate in the state and the nation in the upcoming election year.
Conclusion
The 2021 election in Santa Clara County was a victory for the Democratic party and a testament to the county’s progressive politics. The election of the county’s first female district attorney, the re-election of Sheriff Laurie Smith, and the narrow victory of Dave Cortese in the Board of Supervisors race are all indications that the county is trending towards a more progressive future. The results of this election are likely to be seen as an indicator of the political climate in the state and the nation in the upcoming election year.