California State Senate District 32 is on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. The race features Democratic candidate Dr. Tiffanie Tate and Republican incumbent Senator Kelly Seyarto. District 32 covers a broad section of southwestern Riverside County and reaches into Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.
2026 Senate District 32 Race Snapshot
- Office: California State Senate, District 32
- General Election: November 3, 2026
- Candidates: Tiffanie Tate, Democratic, and Kelly Seyarto, Republican
- Incumbent: Kelly Seyarto
- Counties represented in the district: Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego
Who Is Running in California Senate District 32?
Dr. Tiffanie Tate, Democratic
Tate is a physician, educator, author, and U.S. Navy veteran according to her campaign biography and election filings. Her campaign emphasizes affordable healthcare, relief from rising costs, jobs and workforce development, support for schools, community safety, housing and homelessness, and government transparency. Read more in Who Is Dr. Tiffanie Tate?. Campaign coverage: Dr. Tiffanie Tate for State Senate District 32.
Kelly Seyarto, Republican
Seyarto is the incumbent State Senator for District 32. His official Senate page identifies him as the district’s current senator. His campaign and public statements emphasize public safety, emergency preparedness, affordability, government spending, housing, infrastructure, wildfire resilience, veterans, and regulatory policy. Seyarto previously served in the State Assembly and in local government in Murrieta.
What Communities Are in Senate District 32?
The current senator’s official district page lists a wide range of cities and communities, including Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Corona, Norco, Chino Hills, Yorba Linda, Wildomar, Idyllwild, Julian, Borrego Springs, French Valley, Winchester, Woodcrest, Temescal Valley, and parts of Riverside. The Senate Office of Demographics identifies the current district lines as those established by the 2021 California Citizens Redistricting Commission.
What Does a California State Senator Do?
California State Senators introduce and vote on legislation, participate in committees, vote on the state budget, confirm certain gubernatorial appointments, and provide constituent services. California has 40 Senate districts, so each State Senator represents a larger population than a member of the 80-seat State Assembly.
Major Issues Appearing in the 2026 District 32 Campaign
Affordability and the Economy
Both candidates discuss affordability. Tate emphasizes household costs, support for farmers and small businesses, workforce development, and economic relief for working families. Seyarto emphasizes taxes, fuel and energy costs, regulations, state spending, and the cost of doing business. These descriptions summarize positions stated by the candidates and their campaigns. For the Tate platform in detail, see Tiffanie Tate 2026 Policy Positions.
Healthcare
Healthcare is a leading issue for Tate, who draws on her medical background and calls for affordable and accessible care, prescription affordability, and protection of public health programs. Seyarto’s campaign gives greater emphasis to public safety, cost of living, and fiscal issues, although his legislative record also includes healthcare and behavioral-health measures.
Wildfires, Public Safety, and Emergency Preparedness
District 32 includes rural, mountain, suburban, and desert communities, so wildfire preparedness and emergency response are recurring regional concerns. Seyarto, a retired firefighter, highlights public safety and emergency preparedness. Tate also addresses public safety and frames it alongside community services, healthcare, and government responsiveness.
Education and Workforce Preparation
Tate supports investment in public education, arts and STEM access, tutoring, counseling, and teacher incentives. Seyarto has emphasized education outcomes, workforce preparation, and oversight of state spending. Voters comparing the candidates should review the latest campaign and legislative materials because positions can become more detailed as the election approaches.
How the 2026 Race Reached the General Election
California’s top-two primary places candidates for voter-nominated offices on the same primary ballot. The two candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election. Tate and Seyarto advanced from the June 2, 2026 primary and are the certified candidates for Senate District 32 in November.
Where to Verify Current Information
The California Secretary of State is the official source for the statewide candidate list and election calendar. The California State Senate provides current officeholder and district information. Candidate websites provide each campaign’s own priorities and biography. News organizations such as KPBS also publish issue-by-issue election explainers that can help readers compare documented positions without relying only on campaign summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 2026 candidates for California Senate District 32?
The general election candidates are Tiffanie Tate, a Democrat, and incumbent Kelly Seyarto, a Republican.
Who currently represents Senate District 32?
Kelly Seyarto is the current State Senator for District 32.
Which counties are included in Senate District 32?
The district includes portions of Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties.
Does Senate District 32 include Temecula and Murrieta?
Yes. Both Temecula and Murrieta are listed among the communities represented by District 32.
When is the 2026 California General Election?
The statewide General Election is November 3, 2026.
