2018 California Senate Race: Verified Candidates, Results, and Key Takeaways

Overview of the 2018 California Senate Race

The 2018 California Senate race was the state’s contest for the Class 1 U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Dianne Feinstein. With California’s top-two primary, all candidates appeared on one ballot, and the top two vote-getters advanced to the general election. In the June 5 nonpartisan primary, Feinstein and Democratic challenger Kevin de León finished first and second. In the November 6 general election, Feinstein defeated de León to secure her fourth full term. This evergreen profile summarizes candidates, verified results, and key context for long-term reference.

Why This Race Mattered in 2018

Although California was considered a safely Democratic state in the general election, the primary drew national attention because it featured two prominent Democrats in a high-profile contest. Control of the Senate was closely watched nationwide, making each seat significant. Feinstein’s reelection maintained Democratic unity in the chamber, while de León’s campaign emphasized progressive policy priorities. Understanding the dynamics of this race offers insight into California’s electoral patterns and the broader 2018 midterm landscape.

Candidates in the 2018 California Senate Race

Below are the most notable candidates who reached the general election, along with their party affiliations and official ballot order. Only candidates who appeared on the November 6 general election ballot are included.

Other Notable Candidates in the Primary

Many additional candidates filed to run in the nonpartisan primary but did not advance to the general. Notable primary candidates included Republican candidates and several third-party or independent seekers. The top two vote-getters in the primary, regardless of party, advanced to the general election under California’s top-two system.

2018 California Senate Primary Results (June 5)

In the June 5, 2018 nonpartisan primary, no Republican candidate advanced to the general. The top two vote-getters were both Democrats, ensuring a Democratic-versus-Democratic general election in California.

Primary Election Table

2018 California Senate General Election Results (November 6)

In the November 6 general election, Dianne Feinstein defeated Kevin de León to retain her seat. Turnout was high, but no Republican candidate advanced to the general, reflecting California’s partisan registration advantage. Official state results confirm the following outcome.

General Election Table

Post-Election Context and Legacy

Following the 2018 race, Dianne Feinstein continued serving in the Senate until her death in 2023. The 2018 contest underscored California’s role in national Senate dynamics and highlighted intra-party differences within the Democratic coalition. While the general election remained predictable given California’s registration patterns, the competitive primary drew significant funding and attention. This race remains a reference point for understanding candidate fundraising, ballot access rules, and regional voting behavior in California.

Key Takeaways from the 2018 California Senate Race

• Top-two primary advanced two Democrats to the general election in this Class 1 seat.
• Dianne Feinstein won reelection with 54.2% of the vote in the November 6 general election.
• No Republican candidate advanced to the November ballot, reflecting California’s Democratic registration edge.
• Primary election fundraising and high-profile endorsements shaped competition among Democratic candidates.
• The race was part of the broader 2018 midterm environment, yet outcome was consistent with California’s long-term partisan trends.