Race for California's 42nd Assembly District Heats Up

Four candidates vie for the open seat as incumbent Jacqui Irwin reaches term limit

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The race for California's 42nd Assembly District is already heating up, with four candidates vying for the open seat. The district spans two counties, running from Calabasas to portions of Camarillo and includes Moorpark and Simi Valley. The two Democratic candidates are Agoura Hills City Councilmember Deborah Klein Lopez and Westlake Village City Councilmember Kelly Honig, while the Republican candidates are Ted Nordblum, a business owner, and Rocky Rhodes, a Simi Valley City Councilmember. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with key issues including the environment, public safety, housing, and government spending.

Why it matters

The 42nd Assembly District race is significant because it is an open seat, with incumbent Jacqui Irwin termed out of office. The district is predominantly blue, but the Republican candidates are hoping to make a strong showing. The outcome of this race could have implications for the balance of power in the California State Assembly.

The details

Deborah Klein Lopez, a Democrat, was the first to enter the race, seeking to gain an early advantage. She is leading the field in fundraising, having raised $409,000 so far. Kelly Honig, another Democrat, is considered the more moderate of the two and has gained the endorsement of the law enforcement community. Ted Nordblum, a Republican, ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2022 and 2024 and is running again, citing his personal experience with the impact of the opioid crisis. Rocky Rhodes, a Republican and Simi Valley City Councilmember, is the newest candidate in the race and is focusing on issues such as affordability, accountability, and public safety.

  • The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.
  • The top two vote-getters will advance to the November 3, 2026 general election.

The players

Deborah Klein Lopez

A Democrat and Agoura Hills City Councilmember, she is the first to enter the race and is leading the field in fundraising.

Kelly Honig

A Democrat and Westlake Village City Councilmember, she is considered the more moderate of the two Democratic candidates and has gained the endorsement of the law enforcement community.

Ted Nordblum

A Republican and business owner, he ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2022 and 2024 and is running again, citing his personal experience with the impact of the opioid crisis.

Rocky Rhodes

A Republican and Simi Valley City Councilmember, he is the newest candidate in the race and is focusing on issues such as affordability, accountability, and public safety.

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What they’re saying

“California has lost its way, and everyday people are feeling it. From rising living costs to slow disaster recovery—look at what happened in the Palisades last year—families are struggling while Sacramento is stuck in politics. I'm running to bring back accountability and common sense.”

— Rocky Rhodes, Simi Valley City Councilmember and business owner (toacorn.com)

“Kelly Honig is the only candidate in this race who consistently stands with law enforcement and prioritizes public safety. She understands the challenges our officers face and the importance of keeping our neighborhoods safe.”

— L.A. County Professional Peace Officers Association (toacorn.com)

“We too often see legislators prioritize the party over the people, resulting in extreme partisan agendas that are not always beneficial to the majority of Californians.”

— Kelly Honig, Westlake Village City Councilmember (toacorn.com)

What’s next

The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, and the top two vote-getters will advance to the November 3, 2026 general election.

The takeaway

The race for California's 42nd Assembly District is shaping up to be a highly competitive and closely watched contest, with four candidates vying for the open seat. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the California State Assembly.