Resolution criteria

This market will resolve to the candidate who is officially declared the winner of the 2026 election for California's 28th State Senate district. The official results will be verified through the California Secretary of State's website and reputable news outlets.

Background

California's 28th State Senate district encompasses Downtown Los Angeles and most of South Central Los Angeles, including neighborhoods such as Park La Brea, Pico-Union, Mid City, West Adams, Baldwin Hills, Hyde Park, Leimert Park, Jefferson Park, Crenshaw, Vermont Square, Adams-Normandie, Florence, Exposition Park, and University Park. It also includes suburbs like Culver City, Ladera Heights, and parts of the Westside Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Palms, Mar Vista, and Playa Vista. (en.wikipedia.org)

The incumbent, Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a Democrat, was elected to represent this district in 2022. Prior to her election, she served as a labor advocate and community organizer, notably founding the Los Angeles Black Worker Center at UCLA. (en.wikipedia.org)

As of June 16, 2025, no candidates have officially declared their intention to run in the 2026 election for this district. However, given the district's strong Democratic leaning and Smallwood-Cuevas's incumbency, she is a potential candidate for re-election.

Considerations

• Candidate Announcements: Potential candidates may announce their campaigns closer to the election date. Monitoring official announcements and campaign filings will provide the most accurate information on the candidates.

• Voter Demographics: The district has a diverse population, with significant African American and Latino communities. Understanding the priorities and concerns of these communities can influence campaign strategies and election outcomes.

• Historical Voting Patterns: The district has consistently elected Democratic representatives, indicating a strong partisan preference that may impact the competitiveness of the race.