California's state elections were held on November 5, 2002. Necessary primary elections were held on March 5. Up for election were all the seats of the California State Assembly, 20 seats of the California Senate, seven constitutional officers, all the seats of the California Board of Equalization, as well as votes on retention of two Supreme Court justices and various appeals court judges. Seven ballot measures were also up for approval. Municipal offices were also included in the election.
The incumbent governor Gray Davis won reelection with less than 50% of the vote over his Republican challenger Bill Simon. [1] Democrats also won every other statewide office and maintained their majorities in both houses of the state legislature.
All 80 biennially elected seats of the State Assembly were up for election this year. Each seat has a two-year term. The Democrats retained control of the State Assembly.[3]
California State Assembly - 2002
Seats
Democratic-Held
48
Republican-Held
32
2002 Elections
Democratic Incumbent and Uncontested
32
Contested, Open Seats
32
Republican Incumbent and Uncontested
16
Total
80
Statewide ballot propositions
Seven propositions qualified to be listed on the general election ballot in California. Five of them passed.
Proposition 46
Proposition 46 would create a trust fund by selling $2.1 billion in general obligation funds to fund 21 types of housing programs, including multifamily, individual and farmworker housing. Proposition 46 passed with 57.5% approval. [14]
Proposition 47
The state would sell $13 billion in general obligation bonds for construction and renovation of K-12 school facilities and higher education facilities. Proposition 47 passed with 59% approval. [15]
Would substantially increase funding for before and after-school programs, and make general funds permanently earmarked for the programs beginning in the 2004–2005 school year. Proposition 49 passed with 56.6% approval. [17]
Proposition 50
The state would borrow $3.4 billion through the sale of general obligation bonds for water projects. Proposition 50 passed with 55.4% approval. [18]
Proposition 51
Would permanently allocate sales and use taxes raised from the sale or lease of motor vehicles to specific transportation projects. Proposition 51 failed with 41.4% approval. [19]
Proposition 52
Would allow legally eligible California residents presenting proof of current residence to register to vote on Election Day (same-day voter registration). Proposition 52 failed with 40.6% approval. [20]