Democratic incumbent Catherine Blakespear holds a lead over Republican challenger Laura Bassett in the race for California's 38th State Senate District, according to the latest available election returns.

As of the latest reported update early Wednesday, Nov. 4, Blakespear had received 150,447 votes, or 55.9%, compared with Bassett's 118,759 votes, or 44.1%. Blakespear leads by 31,688 votes, with 269,206 votes counted districtwide.

The figures include votes from both San Diego and Orange counties. Results remain unofficial and may change as additional ballots are processed.

The district stretches from Mission Bay through North County and into southern Orange County.

The candidates

Blakespear, a former Encinitas mayor and Cardiff-by-the-Sea native, entered the general election after receiving nearly 55% of the vote in the June primary.

She also serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency, according to her official Senate biography.

Blakespear has said she would address the affordability crisis by expanding health care access, supporting small businesses and increasing access to affordable housing. She has also advocated increasing housing supply and shelter availability to address homelessness.

Bassett, a licensed professional fiduciary and Oceanside resident, campaigned on lowering the cost of living and reducing state government spending.

She has argued that increased taxes and regulations have contributed to California's high cost of living and has called for halting new taxes. Her priorities also include addressing coastal erosion and other environmental issues affecting beach communities.

What's at stake

The 38th Senate District race centers on issues including housing costs, health care and affordability.

The outcome will determine who represents coastal North County and portions of Orange County in the California Legislature for the next four years.

State senators serve four-year terms.

Following the results

Election results will continue to be updated as county election officials process outstanding ballots.

For the latest results, visit the San Diego County Registrar of Voters or the California Secretary of State's election results page.