State Assembly, District 19

Top candidate wins seat.

Catherine Stefani (D)60.5%
118,839 votes
David Lee (D)39.4%
77,482 votes
Race called at 6:02 PM PT on November 9, 2024
98.99% of votes countedAssociated Press
This percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.

Results are provided by the Associated Press (AP). The AP calls winners by analyzing vote tallies and other election data. Check marks are used to denote a winner only when the AP calls a race.

Why does this race matter? 

This district includes large parts of San Francisco to northern San Mateo County. The incumbent, Democratic Assemblymember Phil Ting, is termed out of office. Roughly 43% of eligible voters in the district are Asian. Some see the outcome of this contest as important to maintaining political representation for Asian Americans, while others prioritize electing the person they think will be most effective in Sacramento, irrespective of racial background.

What does a state Assembly member do?

State Assembly members represent their communities at the California Legislature in Sacramento. The 80 members of the state Assembly write and vote on state bills, serve on policy committees and vote on the annual state budget. The winner of this race will serve a two-year term.

Candidates

David Lee
David LeeExecutive Director, Chinese American Voters Education CommitteeDemocrat
Catherine Stefani
Catherine StefaniSupervisor, San FranciscoDemocrat

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

For Lee

  • Jane Kim, former supervisor, San Francisco 
  • Mark Leno, former state senator and Assembly member 
  • Anthony Rendon, state Assembly member
  • Phil Ting, state Assembly member

For Stefani

  • Kevin Mullin, U.S. representative
  • Gavin Newsom, governor, California
  • Nancy Pelosi, U.S. representative
  • Robert Rivas, speaker, state Assembly
 

Positions on Key Issues
Candidate summaries are based on interviews with the candidates, questionnaires, statements made at debates and public events, and past news coverage.

What housing policies will you support in the Legislature? Where in your district would you support the creation of higher density housing?

Lee says, “I don’t think higher density will address our rising cost of living and housing issues.” He would like to see more 100% affordable housing in all neighborhoods in the district. Lee pledges to support projects “with the support of the community, rather than the runaway growth we’ve seen in recent years that threatens to destroy the rich diversity of our neighborhoods.” He also supports rent control to prevent displacement of long-time residents.
Stefani pledges to “advocate for the construction of housing across all income levels,” and prioritize the development of dense housing near transit hubs. “In the Assembly, I’ll continue to prioritize transit-rich areas and form-based density development, just as I did at the old Lucky Penny and CPMC California sites, in partnership with communities on San Francisco’s westside and in northern San Mateo County.”

What will you do to improve public safety in California? Do you support Proposition 36, the November ballot measure that would enact new felonies for theft and drug crimes by rolling back pieces of the voter-approved Proposition 47?

Lee opposes Proposition 36 “because it fails to address the actual causes of crimes against small businesses, like retail theft, and only creates a more punitive criminal justice system.” He vows to expand a community ambassador program, a non-law enforcement community safety organization, in order to help small businesses hit by property crimes. He also says law enforcement officers must “do more and be held accountable” especially in serving non-English speaking communities.
Stefani says she is “still evaluating Proposition 36 in conversation with law enforcement officials, community members, and criminal justice stakeholders.” She leans into her past experience as a prosecutor, vowing to make preventing gun violence a priority. Stefani says she will “work to redefine domestic violence as a violent crime, recognizing its severe consequences and advocating for appropriate measures.” She also pledges to “push for increased accountability measures for fentanyl dealers.”

What will you do in the state Legislature to improve health care for Californians?

Lee stresses the need for addressing mental health care. Referring to his role as an educator, he notes the high rates of depression and suicide among young people. He will push for policies that “limit the detrimental effects of social media and loneliness.” Lee emphasizes the need for language-appropriate care and stresses the importance of destigmatizing mental health care, especially in the Asian American community.
Stefani says she will make women’s health a priority if elected. “I will stand up for reproductive health care providers who provide care for out-of-state patients and ensure they don't face adverse actions,” she said. She also supports legislation that protects patient confidentiality from being reported to other states automatically “so we can remain a safe haven for everyone.”

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