California Assembly District 71 is one of the state legislative races on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. The contest features Democratic candidate JJ Galvez and Republican incumbent Kate Sanchez. The district stretches across parts of Orange and Riverside counties, linking suburban, foothill, wine-country, and fast-growing Inland Empire communities.
2026 Assembly District 71 Race Snapshot
- Office: Member of the California State Assembly, District 71
- General Election: November 3, 2026
- Candidates: JJ Galvez, Democratic, and Kate Sanchez, Republican
- Incumbent: Kate Sanchez
- Counties: Orange and Riverside
Who Is Running in California Assembly District 71?
JJ Galvez, Democratic
Galvez serves on the Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District board and has a professional background in technology and consulting, according to his campaign biography. His campaign emphasizes lowering living costs, expanding job and small-business opportunities, improving disaster preparedness, and protecting quality of life. Read more in Who Is JJ Galvez?. Campaign coverage is also on JJ Galvez for California State Assembly District 71.
Kate Sanchez, Republican
Sanchez is the incumbent Assemblymember for District 71. The California State Assembly lists her as a Republican representing Orange and Riverside counties. Her official Assembly biography says she was first elected in 2022 and has a background in business and nonprofit leadership. Her campaign emphasizes affordability, public safety, parental rights, taxes, and business conditions.
What Communities Are in Assembly District 71?
The current District 71 office identifies the cities of Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Temecula, Murrieta, and Wildomar, along with unincorporated areas including French Valley, Temecula Wine Country, and parts of Orange County. Other communities associated with the district include Trabuco Canyon, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, Silverado, and Modjeska.
Because legislative boundaries can divide cities and unincorporated areas, residents should use official district maps or address-based tools when they need to confirm which legislative district covers a specific address.
What Does a California Assemblymember Do?
Members of the California State Assembly introduce, debate, amend, and vote on state legislation. They also vote on the state budget, participate in committees, and provide constituent services through district offices. Assembly District 71 is one of 80 Assembly districts in California.
Major Issues Appearing in the 2026 District 71 Campaign
Affordability and the Cost of Living
Both campaigns discuss affordability, although they propose different approaches. Galvez focuses on housing supply, construction costs, insurance, childcare, healthcare costs, transportation, and small-business incentives. Sanchez emphasizes reducing taxes and regulations and says state policy should do more to address housing, energy, and everyday costs. These descriptions reflect the candidates’ published campaign positions. For the Galvez platform in detail, see JJ Galvez 2026 Policy Positions.
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Public safety is another recurring theme. Galvez includes disaster preparedness, civil rights, and effective law enforcement in his platform. Sanchez has made public safety a prominent part of her legislative and campaign messaging. Wildfire preparedness also matters in several District 71 communities because parts of the district include foothill and wildland areas.
Jobs, Business, and Workforce Development
Galvez proposes streamlined permitting, hiring incentives, workforce training, and career pathways in skilled trades and other fields. Sanchez describes herself as a former businesswoman and has campaigned on reducing state-level costs and regulatory burdens on families and businesses.
How the 2026 Race Reached the General Election
California uses a top-two primary for voter-nominated offices such as the State Assembly. Candidates for the same office appear on one primary ballot, and the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election regardless of party. Galvez and Sanchez advanced from the June 2, 2026 primary and are the certified candidates for the November general election.
Where to Find Official District and Candidate Information
The California Secretary of State provides the official statewide candidate list and general election information. The California State Assembly website identifies the current officeholder and district. Candidate campaign sites provide each campaign’s own descriptions of priorities, endorsements, and biography. Those campaign claims should be understood as statements from the campaigns unless independently verified elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 2026 candidates for California Assembly District 71?
The general election candidates are JJ Galvez, a Democrat, and incumbent Kate Sanchez, a Republican.
Which counties are in Assembly District 71?
District 71 includes areas in Orange County and Riverside County.
What cities are represented in District 71?
The district includes Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Temecula, Murrieta, and Wildomar, plus several unincorporated communities.
Who currently represents Assembly District 71?
Kate Sanchez is the current Assemblymember for District 71.
When is the 2026 California General Election?
The statewide General Election is November 3, 2026.
