Bennett poised for decisive win in 37th Assembly race

The race to succeed Monique Limon in the 37th Assembly District is heading towards a decisive win for a well-known name in Ventura County.

Steve Bennett, a longtime Ventura County Supervisor, has a sizeable lead against Charles Cole, a young media consultant and graduate of Santa Barbara City College.

With 57% of precincts reporting, Bennett has received more than double the votes of Cole. Absentee and mail-in ballots could still factor into the race.

Supervisor Bennett, 69, is a Democrat known for saving farmland between communities from development.

He came close to running for Congress years ago, but decided to stay in the county to care for a foster child he adopted.

He now says he is concerned about income inequality, emergency preparedness and coastal impacts in the face of climate change.

Cole, 22, is a Republican who attended Santa Barbara City College.

Cole said he wants to stick to the constitution, and limit taxes, regulations and the size of government.

Bennett reacted to the early returns by thanking voters and saying he is ready to go the state capitol.

"We are really pleased with the results, I appreciate the support of the voters in Santa Barbara County and Ventura County and I am looking forward to getting up to Sacramento and getting to work. It is going to be an all hands on deck proposition, because California has lots of challenges that we have to get after. " said Bennett.

Cole didn't appear ready to give up.

"As expected, the mail in vote, and the early vote was heavily democrat, so now comes the waiting game to see how the person and Election Day voting comes in. So, we still have hope."

Due the pandemic the candidates did not attend large gatherings on election night.

Cole watched returns at Patxi's Pizza on lower State Street in Santa Barbara.

"It's a great place to eat, by the way, I would just like to thank all of my supporters, everyone who has supported me through this race, and beyond, thank you very much, " said Cole.

Bennett celebrated his numbers via video conference with Santa Barbara County Democrats.

Both Bennett and Cole were featured in our 2020 Voter Guide. To read their responses to our candidate survey, click here.