State Senator, District 38
November 3, 2026 · State Senate District 38; California · State senate district · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Average · 60 out of 100
This district is mid-sized for its type, so each vote carries average weight. About 966,269 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(1,046,386 ÷ 966,269) ÷ ln(1,046,386 ÷ 916,831) = 60.27, comparing state senate districts in CA (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: Unknown
No past results for this contest yet.
Average representation + unknown decisiveness → Average vote impact.
Some data is missing, so this rating is based on partial information and capped at "High".
State Senator is responsible for:
- Voting on state laws and the state budget
- Representing their district in the state senate
- Confirming certain governor appointments in many states
- Helping district residents deal with state agencies
Affected Areas: Environment and Public Health, Reduce Wealth Gap, Anti-Corruption, Government Efficiency, Healthcare Affordability, Government Spending Reduction, Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Social Programs and Welfare, Public Education Quality, Gun Control, Women's Reproductive Rights, Election Integrity, Personal Income Tax Reduction, Data Privacy, Civil Rights, Corporate Accountability, Public Infrastructure
Candidates
Catherine Blakespear
Democratic · Incumbent · declared
Catherine Blakespear is a Democratic member of the California State Senate for District 38 (coastal San Diego and Orange counties), first elected in 2022. A former Mayor of Encinitas, she authored California's 2024 law prohibiting thin plastic carryout bags at grocery checkout.
Records: Environment and Public Health 1 for
Laura Bassett
Republican · declared
Laura Bassett is the Republican nominee for California's 38th State Senate District (coastal San Diego/Orange counties) in the 2026 general election, challenging Democratic incumbent Catherine Blakespear. An Oceanside businesswoman, licensed real estate professional, and professional fiduciary, she has served as a San Diego County Civil Service Commissioner. She has not previously held elected office.
Election sources
Source: ballotpedia.org