Last night’s special election AD-63 results delivered a clear message to Riverside County — the political landscape is shifting, and the old playbook no longer applies.
In November 2024, Republicans dominated Riverside County by over 30,000 votes:
Republican: 122,968
Democrat (Chris Shoults): 91,708
But in last night’s AD-63 special election, that margin collapsed:
Republican: 26,609
Democrat (Chris Shoults): 25,392
A difference of just 1,217 votes.
These results signal a growing wave of Democratic momentum across Riverside County, fueled by increased grassroots organizing, voter outreach, and a rejection of far-right extremism.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Chad Bianco, Riverside County’s controversial Sheriff, is now running for Governor — bringing with him a track record of authoritarian rhetoric, attacks on accountability, and alignment with extremist movements.
Last night’s numbers show that no seat is safe and no race is unwinnable when Democrats show up. But the fight is far from over. The August General Election is rapidly approaching, and every vote will be critical to defeating extremism and building a more representative Riverside County.
WHAT’S NEXT:
Mobilizing voters for the August General Election
Expanding grassroots volunteer efforts
Educating the community on the dangers of Chad Bianco’s candidacy
Fighting for every seat, every district, every neighborhood
The path to defeating authoritarianism in California starts at home. Last night, Riverside voters showed the power of local action — and that momentum continues through August and beyond.