Who's on the ballot?
Democratic incumbent Diane Papan, listed as "California State Assemblymember," and Republican Jabra J. Muhawieh, listed as "Enrolled Agent/Businessman," according to the Secretary of State's certified list. The district covers most of San Mateo County, the Redwood City Pulse reports.
How did the primary go?
They were the only two candidates in June. Papan won 78.7% (91,401 votes) and Muhawieh 21.3% (24,681), according to Ballotpedia. Papan defeated Republican Mark Gilham in 2024.
What has Papan done?
Papan was born in Millbrae, served as deputy mayor of San Mateo and has been in the Assembly since 2022, the Pulse reports. Her campaign site lists coauthorship of a bill to make online and printed health plan provider directories more accurate and a bill banning marriage for minors. Her priorities are wildfire prevention, reproductive rights, affordable housing and safer schools.
Who is Muhawieh?
He's a licensed tax professional based in San Francisco. He heads a tax preparation firm and helps run his family's grocery and liquor business, according to his campaign page as cited by the Pulse.
What does he want?
He wants affordable housing that doesn't force high-density projects into single-family neighborhoods. He also wants more budget transparency and wants families to be able to pass inherited homes to the next generation.
How to vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls and vote centers close at 8 p.m., and mailed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and arrive within seven days. You can check your registration and ballot status at sos.ca.gov/elections. California lets you register and vote the same day at a vote center.
More races and measures: our 2026 election hub.