Voters In Menifee Face Tight Runoff To Fill 63rd District Assembly Seat

MENIFEE, CA — A neck-and-neck race in June between a Democrat and a Republican contender for Menifee and a large swath of Riverside County has triggered a runoff election, which is coming up on Aug. 26.

In the June 24 primary election for the 63rd Assembly District, neither Lake Elsinore City Councilwoman Natasha Johnson, a Republican, nor Democrat Chris Shoults secured more than 50 percent of the vote.

Voters will decide later this month whether a Democrat or a Republican will represent Norco, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake and parts of Eastvale, Riverside and Corona.

Johnson, endorsed by Essayli and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, led slightly in the primary with 46 percent of the vote, while Shoults won 44 percent.

The seat became vacant when Essayli, a Republican, resigned to accept an appointment as U.S. attorney.

Johnson, who announced her candidacy on April 3, pledged to bring “common sense” back to Sacramento. The Republican has already received an endorsement from Essayli and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who is running for governor in 2026.

"I've selected Natasha because I know that she is a fighter and she will carry on my message and the battles that we've had in Sacramento whether that's on public safety or parental rights," Essayli said.

Meanwhile, Shoults has emphasized his focus on lowering the cost of living, education reform and economic diversity.

"No more self-serving political agendas and partisan games," Shoults said in a statement. "It's time for real leadership and representation that puts people first."

How To Prepare For The Special Election:

Ballots for the Special General Election for Assembly District 63 began mailing out in late July to more than 315,000 active registered voters in the district. Those who missed the Aug. 11 registration deadline can still take advantage of conditional voter registration, which allows eligible residents to register and vote in person through Election Day at the Registrar of Voters Office or at any vote center.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than Aug. 26 and received by Sept. 2 to be counted. No postage is required. Ballots can also be dropped off at 24-hour drop boxes, city clerk offices or at vote centers. In-person voting will be available at all vote centers on Election Day.