Two Democrats have advanced to the November runoff in California’s U.S. Senate race.
Attorney General Kamala Harris came in first by a comfortable margin. At last check, she’s won 39.7 percent of the vote.
"I thank you all for the support and the help," says Harris during a speech to supporters Tuesday night. "Let’s march on to November, and let’s keep working."
Orange County Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez finished a distant second, with 17.5 percent. But the Associated Press projects she will advance under California’s “top two” primary system.
“Because of you and the voters across California, we are going to the November election," says Sanchez.
The top Republican finisher was former state party chair Duf Sundheim, at 8.9 percent. He isn’t ready to concede but acknowledges it’ll be “very difficult” to catch Sanchez.
“Whatever results the people have, we can fully accept it," says Sundheim. "But let's give it a chance for them to have their voices heard."
This will be the first ever statewide race under the primary rules voters established in 2010 with candidates from the same party in the general election.
Copyright 2016 Capital Public Radio.
