Democrats invest nearly $1 million to flip San Diego-area state Senate seat

Democrats are investing close to $1 million to win a California state Senate seat in District 40, which includes Escondido and parts of North County San Diego, according to Voice of San Diego.

The seat is open due to term limits, as longtime Republican incumbent Brian Jones is stepping down after 12 years in Sacramento. Jones also served as Senate Minority Leader.

Party registration trends show a shift in the district, with Democratic registration rising from 29% in 2018 to 35%, while Republican registration declined from 36% to 34%.

Former San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott, a Democrat with a 20-year prosecutorial career in the region, is running to replace Jones. Elliott is facing Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane, who has experience on the Olivenhain Water Board and previous Assembly runs.

Elliott advanced from the June primary with 44% of the vote and has no other Democratic challengers. The race is one of the more expensive state legislative contests in California this election cycle.

Democrats hope to use this race to grow their current 30-10 majority in the California Senate, reflecting shifting political dynamics in the San Diego area.