Leticia Castillo (born April 27, 1971) is an American psychotherapist and politician serving as a member of the California State Assembly. She is a Republican representing the 58th district, encompassing parts of Riverside County and San Bernardino County. The district includes the cities of Jurupa Valley, Corona, Eastvale, Riverside, and Grand Terrace. Prior to her election, she was a psychotherapist in private practice.[1][2]
Education
Castillo graduated from Lee Pollard High School while simultaneously attending Corona College of Cosmetology in 1989. She holds a B.S. degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix, a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from National University, and an associate degree for social and behavioral studies at Riverside City College.[2][3]
California State Assembly
Castillo first ran for the California State Assembly in 2022, placing third in the primary and not advancing to the general election against incumbent Democrat Sabrina Cervantes.
In 2024, Castillo ran again in the open race to replace Cervantes, who ran for California State Senate. During the open primary, Castillo ran against Democratic Riverside City Councilmembers Clarissa Cervantes, the sister of Sabrina, and Ronaldo Fierro. Cervantes had out-raised Castillo by $430,928 as of October 19, 2024.
After advancing to the general election, Castillo defeated Cervantes by roughly 600 votes.[4] Her victory was seen as an upset in the blue-leaning district, attributed to the Latino swing towards Donald Trump in the concurrent presidential election as well as Cervantes' numerous arrests for driving under the influence.[5] Cervantes has announced her intention to run again in 2026.[6]
Electoral history
2024
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Leticia Castillo | 29,500 | 48.6 | |
| Democratic | Clarissa Cervantes | 15,713 | 25.9 | |
| Democratic | Ronald Fierro | 15,514 | 25.5 | |
| Total votes | 60,727 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Republican | Leticia Castillo | 78,292 | 50.2 | |
| Democratic | Clarissa Cervantes | 77,696 | 49.8 | |
| Total votes | 155,988 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican gain from Democratic | ||||
2022
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Sabrina Cervantes (incumbent) | 28,568 | 54.1 | |
| Republican | Bernard William Murphy | 13,449 | 25.5 | |
| Republican | Leticia Castillo | 10,756 | 20.4 | |
| Total votes | 52,773 | 100% | ||
References
- ^ "District 58 Details | California State Assembly". www.assembly.ca.gov. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ a b Candidate, Online. "Leticia Castillo For Assembly | Home". leticiacastilloforassembly.com. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
- ^ "Vote Smart | Facts For All". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
- ^ Horseman, Jeff (November 27, 2024). "Leticia Castillo declares victory in race for Inland Empire Assembly seat". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
- ^ Horseman, Jeff (December 22, 2024). "Why did Inland Empire Republicans do so well in Nov. 5 election?". Press-Telegram. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
- ^ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/clarissa-cervantes-plans-to-run-for-inland-empire-assembly-seat-in-2026/ar-AA1yeyck?ocid=BingNewsSerp
- ^ "Presidential Primary Election - Statement of Vote, March 5, 2024 - State Assembly" (PDF).
- ^ "General Election - Statement of Vote, November 5, 2024 - State Assemblymember By District" (PDF). California Secretary of State.
- ^ "Primary Election - Statement of the Vote, June 7, 2022" (PDF). California Secretary of State. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
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