Laurie Davies is a Republican incumbent representing one of California’s most competitive Assembly districts. Since first winning a southern Orange County seat in 2020, Davies has followed the far-right playbook: voting against protections for transgender youth, opposing abortion rights, and promoting Florida-style “parental rights” policies that critics warn would chill inclusive classrooms and pressure schools to restrict discussion of LGBTQ+ students & families.
In 2024, she barely held on, winning Assembly District 74 by just 1.6 percent (50.8 to 49.2) over Democrat Chris Duncan. This was not a show of strength. It was a warning sign. The district, once a Republican foothold, voted for Joe Biden by double digits in 2020 and passed Proposition 1, the constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights, by a wide margin. Voter registration now shows Democrats tied with Republicans at about 35 percent each, and independents in the district lean left on abortion and equality. Davies is governing like none of this is happening.
She may have squeaked by in 2024, but voters now know her record now. The election is in 2026 but the race has already begun. She is exposed. She is extreme. She is beatable.
Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Family Record
Voted against AB 957 (2023), which would ensure family courts consider whether parents affirm their child’s gender identity.
Introduced AB 1785 (2022), a “Parents Bill of Rights” modeled on Florida’s laws, criticized for risking censorship, undermining LGBTQ+ families, and endangering vulnerable students.
Record out of step with diverse, inclusive community values in her district.
Attacks on Reproductive Freedom
Opposed Proposition 1 (2022), the constitutional amendment protecting abortion and contraception, despite 67% statewide and 57% countywide support.
Received a 0% score from Planned Parenthood in 2023.
Voted against SB 385 (abortion training for PAs) and protections for patients/providers from out-of-state prosecutions.
Has never supported reproductive health safeguards, leaving her stance far outside mainstream district opinion.
Culture War Over Constituents
Campaigns as pragmatic but votes as a culture-war ideologue.
Opposed California’s ethnic studies graduation requirement.
Opposed funding for inclusive programs, LGBTQ+ student support, and comprehensive sex education.
Scored 14% on the ACLU’s legislative scorecard.
Neglects core local issues (affordability, infrastructure, transportation) in favor of divisive national fights.
Key Vulnerabilities
Won re-election in 2024 by only 1.6% (3,870 votes out of 230,000).
District supported Biden by ~11 points in 2020 and Proposition 1 by clear majorities.
Demographic growth (Latino, AAPI, under-35) favor Democrats.
Voters strongly support abortion rights and oppose anti-LGBTQ censorship.
Democrats nearly flipped the seat in 2024 and will return in 2026 with more momentum.
Laurie Davies has spent her time in office pushing far-right policies on one of California’s most competitive suburban districts. She has opposed protections for trans youth, authored a Parents Bill of Rights that mirrored national conservative efforts to restrict inclusive classrooms, and voted against abortion rights and inclusive education.
She has:
A hardline record on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights
A razor-thin margin in a blue-trending suburban district
A voting record out of step with her constituents
No meaningful accomplishments on affordability, schools, or infrastructure
