Lauren Babb Tomlinson Concedes, Outperforms Sacramento DA Thien Ho in County Vote in CA-06
Babb Tomlinson, chief public affairs officer for Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, campaigned as a political outsider
Lauren Babb Tomlinson conceded Wednesday in California's 6th Congressional District race, acknowledging that while thousands of ballots remain to be counted, she will not finish among the top two candidates advancing to the November general election.
In a statement released Wednesday morning, Babb Tomlinson thanked supporters and volunteers who backed her first bid for public office.
"As a first-time candidate, a mother of a young son, I'm humbled by the support this community has shown me," Babb Tomlinson said. "While the results are not what we wanted, my heart is full knowing I can tell my son that when democracy was on the line, his Mom stepped up and took on the Sacramento political machine to try and make things better for all Americans."
Although she fell short of advancing to the runoff, Babb Tomlinson's campaign produced one of the more surprising results of the race.
A relative unknown in regional politics before entering the contest, Babb Tomlinson outperformed Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho within the Sacramento County portion of the district, according to current election returns.
As of Wednesday, Babb Tomlinson had received 5,557 votes, or 11.27 percent, in Sacramento County. Ho, who was elected countywide as district attorney in 2022 and entered the race with significantly greater name recognition, received 5,315 votes, or 10.7 percent.
The figures are expected to change as election officials continue counting ballots over the coming days.
Babb Tomlinson, chief public affairs officer for Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, campaigned as a political outsider and emphasized reproductive rights, affordability and what she described as the need for a new generation of leadership.
Despite not advancing, her performance against a sitting countywide elected official could position her for future campaigns.
The 6th Congressional District includes portions of Sacramento, Placer and Yolo counties and was among the state's most closely watched congressional races following voter-approved redistricting changes under Proposition 50.
