By SHANT APEKIAN

Numerous candidates backed by the rental housing industry enjoyed success at the ballot box during the California June primary, but contests will remain tight — and the stakes high — heading into November.

The California Apartment Association’s political action committees were heavily engaged in various state Senate and Assembly races.

With legislators now serving 12 years in office in Sacramento, it’s all the more crucial to ensure to elect representatives who understand the importance and value of the rental housing industry in California.

While ballots are still being tallied, it’s clear that Democrats turned out at the polls in droves, while Republicans stayed at home.

As a result, there are a record number of seats throughout the state where two Democrats will face off in the November general election.

In addition, incumbent Assembly Republican legislators in competitive districts performed poorly.  Current incumbent assembly members in Orange County and Los Angeles came in second place, and another in the Inland Empire won only a few hundred votes.  All face very difficult elections in November.

Overall, CAA’s independent expenditure program had a very successful Election Night. The program spent $750,000 on behalf of 12 candidates, 11 reaching the November general election.

Many of the candidates advancing are moderate, business friendly Democrats who will face other Democrats again in November. Thanks to CAA’s support, along with other allies in the business community, the candidates are in a strong position to win.

While the primary yielded largely positive results, CAAPAC must stay focused and active to ensure its supported candidates ultimately prevail.

The November election will drive exceptional turnout, given the presidential contest. CAA’s political program expects to spend significant resources to help elect more moderate, business-friendly Democrats and support Republican incumbents in tough seats.

Shant Apekian is CAA’s vice president of public affairs.