Election results reveal a closely contested primary in Assembly District 36, as candidates vie to succeed long-serving Democratic Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. Early tallies from Tuesday night show Republican contender Jeff Gonzalez leading the pack, with numerous Democratic hopefuls still in contention for a place in the upcoming general election.According to data published on the California Secretary of State's website, Gonzalez currently holds the lead with 9,034 votes, representing 32.7% of the more than 27,000 votes cast in the district, which encompasses the eastern Coachella Valley.While the race remains open with additional votes yet to be counted, several Democratic candidates are closely trailing behind, competing for the opportunity to advance to the November election. Jose Joey Acuña Jr. ranks second with 5,143 votes, or 18.6%, followed closely by Edgard Garcia with 4,584 votes, or 16.6%.Overall, Democratic contenders collectively command 57% of the vote, while Republicans hold 43%.The robust field of candidates emerged following Garcia's decision not to seek re-election, citing a desire to devote more time to his family after years of service in Sacramento. His announcement came after the filing deadline for incumbents had passed.Assembly District 36, redrawn in California's latest redistricting efforts, encompasses Coachella, Indio, and the broader eastern Coachella Valley, extending eastward into Riverside County and reaching the Arizona border. The expansive district also includes Imperial County and a portion of eastern San Bernardino County. In the 2022 elections, Garcia secured re-election with 53.4% of the vote against Republican challenger Ian Weeks, who is now running in the 25th Congressional District race.A total of seven candidates, including five Democrats and two Republicans, participated in the primary. California's voting system dictates that the top two primary finishers, regardless of party affiliation, proceed to the general election in November.Among the contenders, Acuña garners support from Garcia, having served as a trustee on the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board of Education. Other notable Democratic candidates include Waymond Fermon, an Indio City Council member, and Tomas Oliva, a member of the El Centro City Council.