Kate Sanchez (born in 1988) is an American politician and businesswoman who has served in the California State Assembly from the 71st district since 2022, succeeding Randy G. Voepel.
State Assembly
Sanchez introduced two bills shortly after taking office – the first, focused on crime and public safety, would prevent human trafficking cases from being handled by multiple prosecutors. The second focused on education.[1] She was barred from joining the California Latino Legislative Caucus, which is only made up of Democrats. Sanchez says she is a Hispanic working mother.[2]
In her second term, Sanchez introduced a bill prohibiting transgender women from participating in California Interscholastic Federation team sports.[3]
Electoral history
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Matt Rahn | 41,943 | 51.7 | |
| Republican | Kate Sanchez | 39,143 | 48.2 | |
| Democratic | Albia Cooper Miller (write-in) | 58 | 0.1 | |
| Total votes | 81,144 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Republican | Kate Sanchez | 75,603 | 51.3 | |
| Republican | Matt Rahn | 71,730 | 48.7 | |
| Total votes | 147,333 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Republican | Kate Sanchez (incumbent) | 71,079 | 63.1 | |
| Democratic | Gary Kephart | 38,610 | 34.3 | |
| Peace and Freedom | Babar Khan | 2,912 | 2.6 | |
| Total votes | 112,601 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Republican | Kate Sanchez (incumbent) | 147,932 | 61.5 | |
| Democratic | Gary Kephart | 92,424 | 38.5 | |
| Total votes | 240,356 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
References
- ^ Kang, Hanna (December 24, 2022). “New Orange County Assembly members lay out legislative priorities”. The Orange County Register. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ Kang, Hanna (December 28, 2022). “New Assemblymember Kate Sanchez can’t join Latino caucus”. The Orange County Register. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ Brennan, Deborah (January 15, 2025). “New California bill would block trans females from playing in girls’ sports”. CalMatters.
- ^ “Primary Election – Statement of the Vote, June 7, 2022” (PDF). Secretary of State of California. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
- ^ “General Election – Statement of the Vote, November 8, 2022 – State Assembly” (PDF). Secretary of State of California. Retrieved December 17, 2022.
- ^ “March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election – State Assemblymember” (PDF). Secretary of State of California. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
- ^ “November 5, 2024, General Election – State Assemblymember” (PDF). Secretary of State of California. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
